WANA (Aug 02) – Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, arrived in Lahore on Saturday at the start of an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistan’s Prime Minister. He was warmly welcomed by Punjab Chief Minister Mrs. Nawaz Sharif and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan.

 

In Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, Pezeshkian visited the historic Shahi Qila (Royal Fort) complex and laid a wreath at the tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned Persian-speaking poet, thinker, and Muslim philosopher. He also recited the Fatiha (prayers) and signed the memorial book in honor of Iqbal.

 

Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), born in Sialkot, Punjab, was an influential philosopher and poet educated at universities in Lahore, Cambridge, and Munich, where he earned his doctorate.

 

He was politically active, becoming head of the Muslim League in 1930 and was the first to formally propose the idea of an independent Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent—an idea that led to the creation of Pakistan.

 

Iqbal’s Persian poetry, including works such as Asrar-e-Khudi, Rumuz-i-Bekhudi, and Masnavi-ye Payam-e-Mashriq, emphasizes selfhood, Islamic identity, social justice, and Muslim awakening with mystical and philosophical language. He is buried beside the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, where his tomb remains a prominent cultural site in Pakistan.

 

After paying respects, President Pezeshkian departed Lahore for Islamabad, where he is scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, President, and parliamentary leaders as part of his official visit.

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, trip to Pakistan on August 02, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, visit to Pakistan on August 02, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency