Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is arriving in Pakistan today (Tuesday) on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will also meet the visiting Iranian president.

“This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said.

The Foreign Office added that the visit will give both countries a chance to review their bilateral relations and discuss cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, border security, people-to-people contact, and regional connectivity.

It also said the visit will be an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”.

“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 FO added.

Security arrangements

In view of the visit, security measures have been tightened in Islamabad. All bus terminals in the city were closed on Monday night.

Officials said authorities asked bus terminal managements at locations including Faizabad and Chongi No 26 to suspend operations before midnight. The terminals will remain closed until the Iranian president departs.

The Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed, and entry is only allowed for authorized personnel.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) cancelled judicial work for Tuesday due to the security situation. A notification said the cause list was cancelled and staff were instructed to work from home, while district courts will continue normal operations.

The federal government also announced a one-day “work from home” policy for offices in the Red Zone. Employees in ministries and departments located there will work remotely, while autonomous bodies in the area will remain closed.

However, essential institutions such as the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance, FBR, and other key ministries will continue working as usual.

Additionally, all major hiking trails in Islamabad, including Trail 2, 3, 4, 5, and routes near Saidpur Village, have been closed until further notice.