Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi embarked on the second day of his three-day visit to Pakistan with a trip to Lahore, where he was received by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. This marks the first visit by a head of state to Pakistan following the February 8 general elections. Accompanied by a delegation including Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akthar Zaman and Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, Raisi’s visit commenced with a visit to Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, a significant cultural landmark in Lahore.
The visit prompted local holidays in Lahore district and Karachi division to minimize inconvenience to the public. Additionally, a ban on drones in Karachi division was imposed from April 22 to April 28 in light of the dignitary’s visit. Later in the day, Raisi is scheduled to visit Karachi, where he will be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Karachi.
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The first day of Raisi’s visit saw high-level engagements in Islamabad, including meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Discussions centered on bolstering bilateral relations, regional stability, and border security. Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.
Raisi’s visit holds significance amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent events involving Iran and Israel. Both countries have expressed their commitment to de-escalation, with Pakistan urging all parties to exercise restraint. The visit also aims to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Iran, particularly in the context of past cross-border incidents and ongoing collaborative projects such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. Despite challenges and international scrutiny, both nations remain committed to advancing mutual interests and regional stability.
