Pezeshkian extends ‘hand of friendship’ for new regional security architecture as daylong visit concludes

• Iranian President calls for united Muslim Front, stressing Pak-Iran potential, leadership resolve and nations support can turn ties into model of brotherhood

• Lauds Pakistan’s honest mediation and steadfast support during recent crisis, confirming missile programme excluded from MoU

• PM Shehbaz says Islamabad and Tehran share each other’s joys and sorrows, announces Tehran visit to reiterate solidarity with Iranian people and leadership

• Warns of ‘spoilers’ attempting to derail emerging peace framework as both sides pledge to open a new chapter in bilateral ties

• Pakistan, Iran vow to deepen coordination for peace, stability and regional prosperity

 ISLAMABAD: President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for a “united front” among Muslim nations and extended “hands of friendship” for the creation of a new regional security architecture, while lauding Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability and thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Islamabad’s mediation efforts during the recent crisis.

Praising Pakistan’s support during difficult times, the Iranian president said the Pakistani nation had demonstrated “strength and support” for Iran and had remained “honest and adamant” in its efforts to advance peace and dialogue.

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 (23 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/B2a4cBZ5nT

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

President Pezeshkian made the remarks during a one-day official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting at the Prime Minister House, followed by delegation-level talks.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside the prime minister, President Pezeshkian said he had held “constructive meetings and discussions” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

“In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations,” he said.

The Iranian president noted that the two neighbouring countries were determined to utilize the positive atmosphere to usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation.

“We are adamant to use the positive existing atmosphere to usher in a new era and open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and draw new horizons and new opportunities of cooperation based on shared interests,” he said.

President Pezeshkian said Iran firmly believed that peace, stability, sustainable security, development and prosperity in West Asia and the Persian Gulf region could only be achieved through sincere dialogue, regional cooperation and engagement based on mutual respect.

“Based on this fact, we stretch our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure for the countries in the region,” he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s acknowledgement of the roles played by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt in recent diplomatic efforts, President Pezeshkian described it as a timely recognition of the contributions made by regional leaders toward achieving peace.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation to Pakistan amid reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including trade, economic development, infrastructure and… pic.twitter.com/3GR87gfLUd

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

“I believe Muslims shall form a united front against their enemies,” he remarked.

The Iranian president said the immense potential of Pakistan and Iran, coupled with the political will of their leadership and support of their peoples, could elevate bilateral relations to a level befitting the stature of the two countries in the Muslim world and serve as a model of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood.

He emphasized that both countries shared a strong determination to expand cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy and trade.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in delegation level talks in Islamabad, 23 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/fYpAENIR9P

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

President Pezeshkian said ministers and officials on both sides had been working to remove technical obstacles and implement agreements reached during his previous visit and under various memorandums of understanding.

Beginning his address with verses of renowned philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, he said the poet’s message continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations.

He observed that Pakistan and Iran shared not only a border but also a common destiny shaped by similar aspirations, concerns and hopes.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Islamabad on 23 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/ALO6JFOuBQ

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

“Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it is a brotherly and friendly country,” he said, adding that deep historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties had brought the two nations closer together.

President Pezeshkian said bilateral relations had always been built on mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, and recent developments had further strengthened those bonds.

He described Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions as a manifestation of a responsible, brotherly and forward-looking approach toward regional affairs.

“At a critical historical juncture when the region is facing multiple challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting discussions and negotiations aimed at de-escalation and strengthening regional stability reflects a brotherly and futuristic outlook,” he said.

ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کے اعزاز میں وزیراعظم ہائوس میں استقبالیہ تقریب کا انعقاد کیا گیا۔ وزیراعظم نے وفاقی کابینہ کے ارکان کا ایران کے صدر کے ساتھ تعارف کرایا جبکہ ایرانی صدر نے بھی اپنے وفد کے ارکان کو وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے متعارف کرایا۔ ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر… pic.twitter.com/LlBMzKwmu6

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

The Iranian president noted that Tehran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s mediation initiative reflected the deep trust that the Iranian nation, government and leadership had long placed in Pakistan.

Concluding his remarks, he thanked the Pakistani leadership and people for their warm hospitality and for accepting the invitation to participate in the commemoration of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Later, President Pezeshkian departed Pakistan after concluding his one-day visit.

ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کے اعزاز میں وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں استقبالیہ تقریب کا انعقاد کیا گیا۔ ایران کے صدر کو مسلح افواج کے چاق و چوبند دستے نے گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا۔ ایرانی صدر نے گارڈ آف آنر کا معائنہ کیا۔ اس موقع پر دونوں ممالک کے قومی ترانے بھی بجائے گئے۔ pic.twitter.com/9gliZvGIep

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

CDF and COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials were present to bid farewell to the visiting dignitary.

According to PTV News, President Pezeshkian was also presented with a photo album highlighting moments from his visit.

 ‘PAKISTAN AND IRAN SHARE EACH OTHER’S JOYS AND SORROWS’

Speaking at the joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he and President Pezeshkian had held highly productive discussions in a cordial and brotherly atmosphere, describing the meeting as a family reunion.

اسلام آباد: 23 جون 2026.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے ایرانی صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کی دوطرفہ ملاقات شروع.

ملاقات میں نائب وزیرِ اعظم و وزیرِ خارجہ سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار اور چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف و چیف آف ڈیفینس فورسز فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر بھی شریک ہیں.

بعد ازاں پاکستان… pic.twitter.com/u44urLdsRn

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

“We will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before,” the prime minister said.

He observed that Pakistan and Iran had consistently stood by one another during difficult times and that recent developments had once again demonstrated the enduring strength of their friendship, brotherhood and partnership.

The prime minister began his remarks by reciting a Persian couplet reflecting themes of friendship and solidarity in times of adversity.

The President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian inspects Guard of Honour at Prime Minister's House (23 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/GIO0SYdTeu

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

Describing President Pezeshkian as a visionary and sagacious leader, PM Shehbaz praised his calm temperament, wisdom and patience.

Recalling the Iranian president’s earlier service to humanity through the medical profession, the prime minister congratulated him on what he termed a well-deserved elevation to national leadership.

Calling the occasion a “historic moment” in Pakistan-Iran relations, PM Shehbaz referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between Iran and the United States and welcomed the end of a conflict that, he said, could have engulfed the entire region and beyond.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives the President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at the Prime Minister's House (23 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/e06UUv1lG8

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

He commended President Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for their wisdom and statesmanship and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an honest and sincere mediator in the peace process.

Referring to the ongoing technical-level talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland, the prime minister expressed hope that the process would usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for the entire region.

PM Shehbaz also praised the wisdom and leadership of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in guiding the Iranian nation through challenging circumstances.

He paid tribute to the unity, courage and resilience demonstrated by the Iranian people throughout the crisis, describing their steadfastness as inspiring.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif confers the honorary fellowship of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan regarding Cardiac Surgery to President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad, 23 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/YgzXxWMPUM

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

The prime minister extended Pakistan’s deepest condolences over the loss of thousands of lives, including that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he described as a visionary and widely respected leader across the Muslim world.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the people of Iran.

“Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” he said.

“Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss,” he added, saying the sentiment reflected the feelings of the entire Pakistani nation.

The prime minister stressed that Pakistan and Iran were far more than neighbours and were bound together by shared history, faith, culture and enduring people-to-people ties.

He thanked the Iranian leadership for placing its trust in Pakistan to facilitate and mediate the peace process and said Islamabad had undertaken the role with complete sincerity and honesty of purpose.

PM Shehbaz also commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their constructive engagement during the recent talks held at Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

He acknowledged the support of friendly and brotherly countries, particularly the Emir of Qatar, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for their contributions toward the peace effort.

The prime minister also praised the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying he played a key role in helping build the consensus that made the diplomatic breakthrough possible.

He further acknowledged the dedicated work of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office team and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in supporting the peace initiative.

PM Shehbaz announced that he would visit Tehran next week to pay respects to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Iran.

“Zindabad dosti Pakistan-o-Iran,” he concluded.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who participated in the recent Iran-US talks in Switzerland, also accompanied President Pezeshkian during the visit.

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

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Foreign Minister Araghchi held meetings with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif only hours before President Pezeshkian’s arrival in Islamabad.

‘Ballistic Missile Issue Was Never Part Of Agenda Or Negotiations’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also clarified that any restriction on Iran’s ballistic missile programme was never part of the peace memorandum signed between Iran and the United States, asserting that the matter was neither on the agenda nor discussed during negotiations.

Addressing delegation-level talks as the mediator and signatory of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the prime minister said there should be “no confusion” regarding the issue.

“I would say at the fullest command of my domain that this MoU does not mention ballistic missiles,” he said.

“It was never on the table, it was never on the agenda, and the Iranian side never even wanted to discuss it. This is not an impression, but a fact of the matter,” he added.

The premier reiterated that the MoU signed by him as mediator contained no reference to ballistic missiles.

“There should be no second thought about it, it must not be misconstrued, because there are spoilers all over the world to scuttle this peace deal,” he cautioned.

“They do not want the Iranian nation to come out of the ashes of war and touch the zenith of glory,” he observed.

PM Shehbaz further said there should be no double standards in global policies.

“Some countries can have ballistic missiles and Iran should not have. You cannot digest this kind of duplicity,” he remarked.

PEZESHKIAN CONFIRMS MISSILE ISSUE NOT PART OF MoU

Responding during the joint press briefing, Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed that the missile programme was not part of the MoU and “should not be included” in any such agreement.

He said Iran’s missile capability was essential for national defence.

“If it were not for Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been plundered, destroyed and ploughed by the US regime and the Zionist regime (Israel), like what Israelis did in Gaza,” he remarked.

He stressed that Tehran would “never compromise on its missile programme and capabilities” and that it would “never be part of any agreement with any party”.

Asked about Pakistan’s role as mediator, President Pezeshkian expressed full satisfaction, saying:

“Yes, of course.”

“I told my brother, Mr Shehbaz Sharif, there are instances where you do not understand the words, but you understand the actions that are taken,” he added.

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, saying Islamabad had shown “strength and sincerity” and remained “honest and adamant” in its support for Iran during the crisis.

“Most definitely, if it wasn’t for the efforts made by your excellency and your team, we wouldn’t have been here,” he said.

‘AS BROTHERS, WE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN’ — PM SHEHBAZ

Earlier at the delegation-level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said it was a “great pleasure once again” to welcome President Pezeshkian on his second visit to Islamabad.

He said the Iranian president’s acceptance of the invitation after the signing of the Islamabad MoU was a matter of “great satisfaction”.

The prime minister conveyed his regards for Iran’s Supreme Leader, praising his “sagacious leadership” that, he said, had helped achieve the MoU and subsequent ceasefire.

He also expressed condolences over the loss of innocent lives in Iran, including children.

“Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future,” he said.

PM Shehbaz thanked Iran for its trust in Pakistan’s mediation role.

“I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,” he affirmed.

“As they say, true brotherhood doesn’t have any questions to answer. And here we are,” he added.

He said Pakistan would continue its mediatory role until “everlasting peace” was achieved on terms of dignity and honour.

The prime minister praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s “outstanding contribution”, saying he worked tirelessly during critical moments to prevent escalation of conflict.

He also lauded Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their “fine shuttle diplomacy”, while acknowledging the role of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

PM Shehbaz also thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt for supporting peace efforts.

He expressed hope that Iran, with its vast resources and talent, would emerge as one of the fastest-growing economies in the future.

MEETINGS, HONOURS AND CEREMONIAL WELCOME

At the Prime Minister’s House, President Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, followed by delegation-level talks attended by senior officials including Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Deputy Prime Minister.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receiving the President of Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at Nur Khan Airbase (23 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/DCYArI3StN

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

The Iranian president was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival and also planted a sapling at the PM House.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz also conferred honorary fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) in cardiac surgery on President Pezeshkian.

ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان اسلام آباد پہنچ گئے. صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری اور وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کا نورخان ایئربیس آمد پر پرتپاک خیرمقدم کیا۔

نائب وزیراعظم و وزیرخارجہ سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار، وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی، وفاقی وزیر… pic.twitter.com/Q6xkpMMnTY

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2026

 SECURITY MEASURES AND ADMINISTRATIVE SHUTDOWNS

Separately, judicial and administrative activities were affected in Islamabad due to heightened security arrangements for the visit.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) cancelled judicial work for Tuesday and directed officials to work from home, while district courts continued routine operations.

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also suspended judicial work at its principal seat, with staff directed to work remotely.

The federal government issued a “work from home” notification for ministries and divisions located in the Red Zone, while essential institutions including the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and key ministries remained exempt.

All bus terminals in Islamabad were closed overnight, while hiking trails including Trail 2, 3, 4 and 5 were also shut temporarily.

The Red Zone remained sealed with restricted access limited to authorised personnel until the Iranian president’s departure.