By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi is set to visit Pakistan from April 22-24, marking his first state visit since Pakistan’s general elections in February 2024, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Sunday.
The visit, described as an “important opportunity” to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation, comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following drone and missile strikes between Iran and Israel.
“President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 22 to 24 April 2024,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“The Iranian president will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials as well as a large business delegation.”
Raisi will be under comprehensive security measures, reviewed by his security squad members who arrived in Pakistan earlier. The security measures include air surveillance and temporary internet suspension during the dignitary’s movement.
The Iranian President will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. He will also meet with the provincial leadership in Lahore and Karachi.
The two sides will discuss a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts.
They will also discuss regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
“Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong bilateral ties anchored in history, culture, and religion. This visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations,” the foreign office said.
The visit follows a period of heightened tensions between the two countries over instability on their shared border. Tensions surged in January when Pakistan and Iran exchanged air strikes, targeting alleged militant hideouts in each other’s countries. Since then, both sides have undertaken peace overtures.
In light of the visit, Karachi administration has announced a public holiday on April 23. All public and private offices and schools in the metropolis will remain closed. Essential services and officials involved in emergency duties will remain operational.
In related news, a special meeting of the syndicate of the University of Karachi approved the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in the KU Faculty of Islamic Studies on President Raisi.
The decision was made following a recommendation from Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, who also serves as the chancellor of the public sector universities in the province.
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