Diplomatic Reception: 21-Gun Salute Accords Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Upon Islamabad Arrival

A grand ceremonial reception greeted Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian upon his landing in Islamabad on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Pakistan extended a red-carpet welcome to the visiting dignitary, marked by a traditional 21-gun salute alongside an aerial flypast executed by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft.

President Pezeshkian touched down at Nur Khan Airbase to commence a one-day state visit following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was greeted by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and alternative top-tier officials. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had touched down ahead of schedule, was likewise in attendance.

The high-profile reception featured a formal guard of honor presented at the Prime Minister’s House. Youth dressed in regional attire offered floral bouquets to the Iranian premier. This journey marks Pezeshkian’s premier trip outside his borders following recent regional friction, occurring immediately after diplomatic breakthroughs between Iran and the United States. Pakistan served a central function in facilitating the dialogues that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Conferences during this stay are projected to center on reinforcing bilateral relations, commercial trade, power sector integration, border safety, and regional harmony. Both nations intend to accelerate fiscal connectivity and execute their latest bilateral accords.