ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on August 2 for a two-day visit to thank Pakistani leaders for their diplomatic and political support to Iran during the Israeli aggression, official and diplomatic sources told HUM News English on Tuesday.
Israel carried out a series of strikes on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile sites and energy facilities, killing several Iranian military leaders and scientists.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, causing significant destruction.
Pakistani leaders and the public had voiced support for Iran, and demonstrations were held in parts of the country to hail Iran’s response to Israel’s actions.
According to sources, the Iranian president is also expected to visit Lahore to pay homage to the “Poet of the East,” Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The visit, initially planned for the last week of July, was delayed due to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to the United States.
During the trip, President Pezeshkian will hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who will host a banquet in his honour. The Iranian leader, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, will also meet Pakistan’s military leadership.
This will be President Pezeshkian’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office in July 2024 following the death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash in May. Raisi had last visited Pakistan in April.
While the visit is primarily aimed at expressing gratitude, both sides are expected to discuss bilateral matters during official talks.