Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Embarks on Three-Day Visit to Islamabad

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad today for a three-day official visit to Pakistan, marking the first visit of any foreign leader to the country since the February 8 polls.

President Raisi’s visit holds strategic importance, particularly in light of regional dynamics and global attention on Iran-Israel tension. However, sources have clarified that the visit is unrelated to ongoing hostilities.

During his stay, President Raisi is scheduled to meet with several key figures in Pakistan, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Additionally, he will engage with provincial leadership during visits to Lahore and Karachi.

Accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, including the foreign minister, cabinet members, senior officials, and a sizable business delegation, President Raisi aims to bolster bilateral ties and explore avenues for cooperation in various sectors, such as trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts.

Both sides have outlined an extensive agenda aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and enhancing collaboration on regional and global issues, including counterterrorism efforts.

Upon arrival in the federal capital, Islamabad, Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada will extend a warm welcome to the Iranian president. Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead delegation-level talks, followed by the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz will also host a luncheon in honor of President Raisi, underscoring the importance attached to fostering strong bilateral ties.

President Zardari will extend a formal welcome to his Iranian counterpart at Aiwan-e-Sadr and host a dinner in his honor, further cementing the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

In Lahore, President Raisi is set to meet with Governor Balighur Rehman and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and pay homage at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

Subsequently, in Karachi, meetings are scheduled with Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with a visit to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

As a precautionary measure, provincial authorities in Karachi have declared April 23 as a public holiday, maintaining high alertness levels throughout President Raisi’s visit.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting peace and stability in the region.