Title: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Karachi following Lahore visit
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The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, arrived in Karachi on Tuesday after his engagements in Lahore and Islamabad.
Upon his arrival, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah extended a warm welcome to the Iranian president at the airport.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude for the distinguished guest's visit to Karachi, stressing its significance in further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.
Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari along with provincial ministers Azra Pechuho, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Sardar Shah, joined in extending their greetings to President Raisi, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations.
Stringent security measures were enforced at the airport and its vicinity to prevent any potential disruptions.
According to sources familiar with the situation, in addition to meetings with the governor and the chief minister, President Raisi is scheduled to speak at a business forum and participate in a dinner hosted at the CM House.
In accordance with directives from the Ministry of Interior, mobile phone services will be temporarily suspended along specific routes in Karachi from 3pm on April 23 until 8am on April 24.
This precautionary measure aims to bolster security protocols during the visit of the Iranian president to Karachi.
President Raisi paid homage at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laying a wreath of flowers following the recitation of Fatiha. Sindh Governor Tessori and Chief Minister Murad joined him during this solemn visit.
Stringent security measures were implemented citywide, including at Mazar-e-Quaid, in light of the Iranian president's arrival.
President Raisi proceeded to the Chief Minister's House, where he was warmly received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Governor Muhammad Kamran Tessori, and provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Jam Khan Shoro.
President Raisi held a meeting with Governor Tessori at the Chief Minister's House, during which they engaged in discussions covering a range of topics of mutual interest. Highlighting the significance of cultural exchange, both leaders expressed their support for enhancing collaboration between Pakistan and Iran.
Governor Tessori underscored the deep-rooted historical ties between Pakistan and Iran, emphasising the enduring friendship between the two nations. In return, President Raisi conveyed his appreciation to Governor Tessori for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Sindh.
During a meeting with Iranian Consul General to Karachi, Hassan Nourian, earlier today, Governor Tessori reiterated the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Iran. Discussions encompassed various facets of Pakistan-Iran relations, the ongoing visit of President Raisi, and areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks, Governor Tessori underscored the enduring affection shared between the two nations, emphasising the potential for further collaboration and partnership.
Earlier in the day, President Raisi visited Lahore on the second day of his official visit to Pakistan.
The Iranian president and his delegation was received at the airport by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This is the first visit by a foreign head of state since the new government took power following the February 8 elections.
After reaching the provincial capital, the Iranian president visited Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum and laid a floral wreath.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitary said he did not “feel like a stranger at all” and there are "special connections" with the people of Pakistan.
Iranian President Raisi at Allama Iqbal's mausoleum in Lahore. PHOTO: Express
Paying tribute to the poet of the east, Raisi said Iqbal was also very inspirational for Iranian people.
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, the khateeb of Lahore's Badshahi Mosque, offered special prayers for the betterment of Pak-Iran relations and for the Palestinians in Gaza, said Radio Pakistan.
Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen bilateral economic and security cooperation by setting a $10 billion trade target and jointly fighting the menace of terrorism, as the Iranian president began his three-day tour of the country on Monday.
President Raisi was accorded a warm welcome upon arrival in Islamabad. He spent his first day of the visit in meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. The Senate chairman and the Nationals Assembly speaker also called on the visiting president.
During the formal talks at the Prime Minister's House, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues covering bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues. Following their talks, the two leaders also spoke at a joint press conference.
Raisi travelled to Islamabad three months after the two countries were on the verge of a major conflict after Iran launched missile strikes inside the country in January. Pakistan retaliated with similar strikes two days later. However, the situation was quickly brought under control as Iran dispatched its top diplomat to Islamabad.
Since then the two countries have been making efforts to bury that bad patch in their bilateral ties. The fact the Iranian president travelled to Islamabad despite simmering tensions with Israel suggests the importance Tehran attaches to its ties with Pakistan, according to officials.
The warm reception being given to the Iranian president by Pakistan also indicated keenness on the part of Islamabad to get over January’s tit-for-tat missile strikes. At a joint news conference, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitments to expanding wide-ranging bilateral cooperation.
Both sides admitted that the current volume of the bilateral trade was not acceptable. They agreed to increase it to $10 billion from the current volume of around $2 billion. They vowed to expand the bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, energy, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts.
Against the backdrop of the recent tensions, border security and the issue of terrorism were some of the major talking points. Shehbaz underlined that terrorism was a common threat and both sides needed to fight it collectively. Raisi hoped his visit would prove a “turning point” in the bilateral ties.
Both the leaders expressed deep concern at the situation in Gaza and called for international efforts for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege, and provision of humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza.
Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded the stance taken by Iran against Israel. He also appreciated the Iranian leadership on Iran’s unequivocal and principled support for the Kashmiri people and their legitimate rights.
In remarks, Raisi said that the killings by Israel in Gaza were being committed with the support of the United States and other Western countries. He criticized the international organizations, including the United Nations, saying: “They say they support human rights, but they proved that they are inefficient.”
The two sides also discussed the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline project. The multibillion-dollar gas project was supposed to be completed in December 2014. Pakistan, however, could not initiate the work on its side of the border, fearing US economic sanctions.
Recently, nevertheless, authorities in Pakistan decided to start the work on the project. In the first phase, Pakistan would build a pipeline from Gwadar to the Iranian border. The US had voiced its concerns and warned that the Pakistani move could trigger potential economic sanctions.
Officials said that Iran was aware of Pakistan’s compulsions and during their talks; the two leaders discussed the possible alternative options to avoid US sanctions. They added that Iran was ready to help Pakistan find ways and means to complete the project.
The two leaders also signed eight cooperation agreements, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Published Date: 23-Apr-2024
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