Pezeshkian praises 'adamant and honest' Pakistani leadership for support since war's start in Islamabad visit

Calls for unity among Muslim countries, urging them to form a “united front” to face shared challenges

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and lauded Pakistan’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis, saying the Pakistani nation had shown “strength and support” for Iran and had remained “honest and adamant” in its efforts to extend backing.

In a joint press conference alongside PM Shehbaz, the Iranian president expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, saying Islamabad had acted with sincerity and consistency in its efforts to support peace.

President Pezeshkian, in his statement, said relations between Iran and Pakistan had long been based on mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, adding that recent developments had further strengthened that bond.

براہِ راست:وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اور ایرانی صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کی گفتگو https://t.co/IHVSg1oshr

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

“At a critical historical juncture that the region is facing multiple challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening regional stability is the manifestation of a brotherly and forward-looking attitude,” he said.

He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their support during testing times and appreciated the warm welcome extended to him.

Recalling his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pezeshkian said discussions focused on regional developments and bilateral relations.

Islamabad: The President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and the Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a Joint Press Stakeout. pic.twitter.com/W03b2Q75lB

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

He said both sides were determined to use the “positive atmosphere” to open a new chapter in relations and expand cooperation based on shared interests.

The Iranian president said lasting peace, stability and development in the region could only be ensured through “frank and honest dialogue” and cooperation based on mutual respect, adding that Iran was ready to offer Pakistan a “hand of friendship” for building a new regional security framework.

He also appreciated the role of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt in supporting the peace process, and called for greater unity among Muslim countries, saying they should form a “united front.”

Pezeshkian said both countries shared a strong resolve to deepen economic ties and urged the removal of obstacles to implementing existing agreements.

pic.twitter.com/41rVbxNoZv

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

He also invited PM Shehbaz to attend the commemoration of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to follow up on bilateral agreements.

Lauding Pakistan’s mediation efforts, he said that from the beginning, the Pakistani nation had shown strength and support for the Iranian people and had remained honest and adamant in its efforts to extend that support.

“If it wasn’t for the efforts made by your excellency and your team, we wouldn’t have been here,” the Iranian president said.

PM Shehbaz, in his remarks, praised President Pezeshkian’s “visionary and sagacious leadership” and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expressing hope that it would usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

“This arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region,” he said, praying for lasting peace and paying tribute to Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Mojtaba Khamenei, whom he credited with guiding Iran through a difficult period with “wisdom and sagacity.”

He also expressed condolences over the loss of Iranian lives during the crisis.

“The people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with the people of Iran. Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” the prime minister said.

'We will never let you down,' PM Shehbaz assures Iran

PM Shehbaz thanked the Iranian leadership for placing trust in Pakistan to facilitate and mediate the peace process, adding that Islamabad had carried out its role with “honesty and sincerity.”

Separately, PM Shehbaz on Tuesday thanked the Iranian leadership for what he called trust in Pakistan’s mediation role, saying Islamabad would continue to play this role “until we have everlasting peace” and would “never let Iran down,” during a meeting with a visiting Iranian delegation.

Pezeshkian landed in Islamabad for an official visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation, in the wake of the recent US-Iran conflict and Islamabad’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts that culminated in the signing of the MoU.

Speaking during delegation-level talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier welcomed the Iranian president, expressing pleasure at his visit following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and called it a matter of “great happiness and satisfaction” for all.

براہِ راست:وزیرِاعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی ایرانی صدر کے ساتھ وفود کی سطح پر ملاقات میں ابتدائی گفتگو https://t.co/OMTtsNw8cG

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

He also conveyed warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, praising his “sagacious leadership” and saying it was due to that leadership that Iran had been able to achieve the MoU and a ceasefire “with dignity and honour,” while also offering condolences over the killings of innocent Iranian brothers, sisters and children.

“Yet with your sagacious and very calm visionary leadership, today alhamdulillah, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity,” the prime minister said, adding that “as brother, we will never let you down.”

He said true brotherhood “does not have any questions to answer” and assured that Pakistan would continue its role until “everlasting peace” was achieved on terms dictated by dignity and honour.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in delegation level talks in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/0pZgMHRBmN

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

Appreciating the courage and resilience of the Iranian leadership and people, the prime minister also highlighted the role of Field Marshal Munir, saying his contribution had been “outstanding” in efforts that led to the ceasefire and the signing of the MoU.

“He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission, come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swaths of land and devastate everything,” he said, also acknowledging the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

PM Shehbaz further thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and “brotherly and friendly countries” including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for their support during the negotiation process.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/ZWjAn83IM3

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

Expressing hope for closer ties, the prime minister said Pakistan and Iran would “rebuild relations in all spheres of life,” including economic cooperation, trade, investment and reconstruction.

“Iran and Pakistan today are brothers and friends forever. We will share our happiness and sorrows, and we will work together to promote peace, tranquillity and progress not only in this region but by implication in the entire Middle East, Gulf and South Asia,” he said.

Zardari meets Pezeshkian, hopes for lasting peace after US talks

Earlier, President Zardari congratulated Iranian President Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, expressing hope that ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in lasting peace in the region.

According to a statement issued by the President’s House, Pezeshkian called on Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional peace and security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

President Zardari, President Pezeshkian reaffirm commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and regional peace

Islamabad: 23 June 2026 — President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian met President Asif Ali Zardari today at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The two leaders… pic.twitter.com/uMxH1yS0pY

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) June 23, 2026

President Zardari welcomed the Iranian president on his first state visit to Pakistan after the recent conflict, noting that the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and their desire to remain together in good and bad times.

He congratulated President Pezeshkian on the signing of the MoU and expressed the hope that ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region.

The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Pakistan has consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim community while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region.

President Zardari also expressed condolences on the martyrdom of former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and said Pakistan would participate in his funeral.

President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue, and appreciated Islamabad’s support during recent challenging circumstances.

“Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters,” the Iranian president said.

President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Iranian president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of the President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi, and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam.

From the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting.

Pezeshkian receives guard of honour at PM House

Earlier, the Iranian president was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, FM Dar and Iranian FM Araghchi. The Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 fighter jets flew a ceremonial flypast to honour the visiting dignitary, and upon arrival, a 21-gun salute was presented in Pezeshkian's honour.

Pakistani authorities rolled out a full ceremonial welcome at the airport for President @drpezeshkian. In a display of respect, Its Air Force jets conducted a flyover as Pezeshkian's aircraft approached, followed by a 21-gun salute in recognition of Iran's senior delegation. pic.twitter.com/rwdXk7Emr7

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026

Children dressed in traditional attire welcomed the Iranian president with bouquets and waved the flags of Pakistan and Iran. President Pezeshkian acknowledged their welcome by waving back.

Later, the Iranian president arrived at the Prime Minister's House, where he was received by PM Shehbaz. A contingent of the armed forces presented him with a guard of honour.

The President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian inspects Guard of Honour at Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/yoYkyUHaGm

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

The President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian plants a sapling in the lawn of the Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/2NxXE9XwQy

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

The two leaders exchanged pleasantries before attending a ceremony held in honour of the visiting president at the Prime Minister's House.

President Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of President Zardari and PM Shehbaz. The visit is his first since the ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

pic.twitter.com/3RZOD2DMJP

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives the President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at the Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/VAJ5G0OzMl

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026

During the visit, the Pakistan College of Physicians and Surgeons will confer an honorary fellowship on the Iranian president. The two leaders will also address the media.

CDF Munir, Iranian president, discusses regional peace

Later, Field Marshal Munir called on Pezeshkian, during which the two sides exchanged views on regional developments and initiatives aimed at promoting peace.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad's consistent efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the statement said.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر کی ایرانی صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان سے ملاقات

آئی ایس پی آر کے مطابق ملاقات میں علاقائی صورتحال اور امن اقدامات پر تبادلۂ خیال کیا گیا

ایرانی صدر کا خطے میں امن و استحکام کے لیے پاکستان کے کردار کو سراہا

ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان نے پاکستان کے تعمیری اور ذمہ… pic.twitter.com/JoL64D7OXB

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 23, 2026

Araghchi arrives

Iranian FM Araghchi arrived in Islamabad earlier on Tuesday as part of the delegation accompanying President Pezeshkian on his visit, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office.

Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi @araghchi arrived in Islamabad today as part of the delegation accompanying the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on his State Visit to Pakistan.

Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Foreign… pic.twitter.com/g2hFXaTTiz

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 23, 2026

FO said Araghchi was "warmly received" by DPM Dar upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase. The statement added that Pakistan and Iran share "strong brotherly ties, deeply rooted in history, faith, and culture", and extended a warm welcome to the Iranian delegation.

Moments after touching down in Islamabad, Foreign Minister @araghchi was welcomed by his Pakistani counterpart @MIshaqDar50 and footage of the reception has now been released. pic.twitter.com/sVITdbWprK

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz just hours before President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan.

Exclusive IRNA footage shows Foreign Minister @araghchi holding talks with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister @CMShehbaz only hours before President @drpezeshkian lands in the country. pic.twitter.com/K9LaTSEA0R

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026

Official visit

The visit comes days after Iran and the US signed the Islamabad MoU, a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and creating a pathway towards a comprehensive settlement. Pakistan played a central mediating role in the diplomatic process that led to the agreement.

ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان آج پاکستان کا دورہ کر رہے ہیں#MasoudPezeshkian #CDFForGlobalStability #CDFGlobalPeacemaker #PakistanForPeace #CDFLedTheWayToPeace #CDFAsimMunir pic.twitter.com/kQst8SVfEd

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 23, 2026

During the visit, Pezeshkian is expected to hold talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz, who chaired the quadrilateral talks-US-Iran-Pakistan-Qatar-in the Swiss lake city of Burgenstock on Sunday.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides would review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity.

"The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region," the statement said.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU as well as broader regional and international developments.

Read: Pezeshkian due today on key post-war visit

Officials said the trip underscores the growing importance of Pakistan-Iran engagement at a time of major geopolitical shifts in the region and reflects the shared desire of both countries to promote peace, stability and economic cooperation.

President Pezeshkian, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials, is expected to personally convey Tehran's appreciation for Pakistan's diplomatic support during the conflict and its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, diplomatic sources said.

This will be President Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan since assuming office. The two neighbours have in recent years sought to strengthen economic ties, enhance border cooperation and increase bilateral trade. The one-day trip would be Pezeshkian’s first overseas visit since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in late February.

Traffic plan and security arrangement

Meanwhile, stringent security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi for the Iranian president's visit, with heightened security deployed at Nur Khan Airbase and surrounding areas.

More than 600 officers and personnel of the Rawalpindi police have been deployed for security duties until the president's departure.

According to the police, additional personnel have been stationed at key points connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while no cross traffic will be allowed during VIP movement.

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Tuesday issued an alternate traffic plan following the arrival of foreign delegations and announced that the entry of all types of heavy vehicles into the federal capital from any direction would remain suspended until further orders.

An ITP official told APP that all entry points to the Red Zone, except those from Marriott and Margalla Road, would remain completely closed for all types of traffic, while special traffic arrangements and diversions had been put in place on major roads across the capital.

The official said traffic diversions would remain in effect on the Expressway from Koral to Faizabad, Murree Road and Club Road, while Srinagar Highway from Zero Point to Dhokri Chowk would remain completely closed for traffic movement.

According to the alternate traffic plan, traffic travelling between Faisal Avenue and Zero Point would be diverted towards 9th Avenue.

In case of closure between Zero Point and Koral Chowk, commuters may use Srinagar Highway, 9th Avenue, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk and Rawal Road to reach Koral and adjoining areas. The official said traffic from Park Road would be diverted towards Tramri Chowk if Club Road remains closed.

Citizens travelling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala and Lehtrar Road as alternate routes. Similarly, motorists travelling between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad may use Colonel Sher Khan Road, Fakhr-e-Alam Road or 9th Avenue to avoid delays.

The official said heavy traffic travelling from Peshawar to Lahore via GT Road should use Taxila, Motorway, Chakri Interchange, Chak Beli Road and Rawat GT Road, while heavy vehicles travelling from Lahore to Peshawar should use Rawat GT Road, Chak Beli Road, Chakri Interchange, Motorway and Taxila.

Citizens were advised to plan their travel in advance and follow the alternate traffic plan to avoid inconvenience during the movement of foreign delegations.

For further information and real-time traffic updates, commuters may follow the Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp Channel, Islamabad Police social media platforms and tune in to ITP FM 92.4, the official added.

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Tuesday issued an alternate traffic plan following the arrival of foreign delegations and announced that the entry of all types of heavy vehicles into the federal capital from any direction would remain suspended until further orders.#Islamabad pic.twitter.com/5u84afAP9v

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 23, 2026

Earlier, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency also reported that President Pezeshkian was scheduled to visit Pakistan on Tuesday. Pezeshkian paid a state visit to Pakistan last August.

The news came a day after the US and Iran agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days after the conclusion of the first session of high-level talks held under the Islamabad MoU in Switzerland.

The first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the US, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the agreement earlier this week.

On June 18, PM Shehbaz signed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' as a mediator, formalising the major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran. Israel, left out of the peace talks, has distanced itself from the US-Iran accord and kept up fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether ​the agreement would hold.

The US and Israel launched the war on Iran ⁠on February 28, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a ​major food supply crisis in developing countries.