Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad on April 22 for a three-day official visit to engage with Pakistan’s top leadership, marking the first such visit by a head of state since the country’s general elections on February 8.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official account reported that President Raisi received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport, greeted by Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu.
Who accompanied Raisi on the visit?
Accompanying President Raisi are his spouse and a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister and other Cabinet members, as well as senior officials, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit, President Raisi is set to hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq. Additionally, he plans to visit Lahore and Karachi to meet with provincial leadership, according to the Foreign Office.
Radio Pakistan reported that President Raisi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the same day, with plans for delegation-level discussions between the two countries.
“Upon arrival at the Prime Minister House, a guard of honour will be presented to the visiting dignitary,” the report said.
The Iranian president and PM Shehbaz will plant a sapling in the Prime Minister’s House on the occasion of Earth Day, it said, adding that they would also attend the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in various fields.
“The two leaders will participate in a ceremony regarding naming a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue. They will also hold a press talk,” Radio Pakistan said, adding that the prime minister would also host a lunch for the Iranian president and his delegation.
Mr. Raisi’s trip to Pakistan comes several months after the amicable relationship between the two neighboring countries was strained. This followed Tehran’s surprising airstrikes on alleged militant hideouts in the troubled Balochistan province in January, which caught Islamabad off guard.
In response, Pakistan promptly utilized lethal drones and rockets to conduct “precision military operations” targeting what it labeled as “terrorist shelters” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, resulting in the loss of nine lives.
Nevertheless, both parties swiftly engaged in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Mr. Raisi’s visit is anticipated to strengthen their bonds further.
For more latest news, click here.
