Amid tension in Middle East, Iran President tours Pakistan: All you need to know about his visit

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is on an official visit to Pakistan. As tensions mount in the middle east, two Islamic neighbours seek to mend ties after tit-for-tat missile strikes in January. Here are the highlights of the visit so far:

Barrage of high-level meetings on Day 1:

Raisi met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. According to the official X handle of PML-N, they discussed ways to improve their countries’ relationship and criticised the excessive force used by Israeli forces in Gaza. Raisi also met with President Asif Ali Zardari to strengthen their current connections.

During the meeting, they agreed to boost their trade to $10 billion and create a joint plan to tackle common problems like terrorism. They signed eight agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to work together in areas like security, trade, science and technology, animal health, culture, and legal matters.

PM Shehbaz and Raisi also opened the new section of Islamabad’s 11th Avenue, which they renamed Iran Avenue.

Visit to Lahore on Day 2:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other important officials welcomed Raisi at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Then, the Iranian president visited Allama Iqbal’s, as reported by Dawn.

Following this, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman hosted a lunch for the Iranian president at the Governor House.

Later, Raisi met with Maryam Nawaz, where they discussed increasing cultural exchanges and connecting people from both countries, according to the Foreign Office.

Visit to Karachi on Day 2:

Raisi arrived in Karachi after finishing his visit to Lahore. During his Lahore trip, he visited Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum and emphasised on a special bond with the Pakistani people.

Upon his arrival at Jinnah International Airport, he was welcomed by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Later, he went to Mazar-i-Quaid, the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, where he prayed alongside provincial officials and his delegation. He also visited the Sindh Chief Minister’s House.

During his visit, Raisi encouraged Iranian investors to explore the favorable investment opportunities in the province.

Significance of the visit:

Iranian President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan was uncertain due to increased tensions in the Middle East. Iran had recently launched a significant missile and drone attack on Israel in retaliation to an airstrike on its consulate in Damascus.

The visit holds significance as both Pakistan and Iran aim to improve relations following missile strikes exchanged in January. These strikes escalated tensions, aggravated further by Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

In the past, both countries accused each other of harbouring militants. Iran targeted an anti-Iran group in Pakistan, prompting Pakistan to conduct a raid in Sistan-Balochistan province.

Pakistan hopes to resolve its prolonged power crisis through a joint gas project with Iran, which could boost its economic growth.

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