ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi is embarking on a three-day official visit to Pakistan starting from Monday, April 22nd.
This visit holds significant importance as it occurs against the backdrop of recent retaliatory strikes between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Notably, both Iran and Pakistan also conducted raids in each other’s territories in January, targeting alleged terrorist presence. The subsequent visit by the Iranian foreign minister to Islamabad helped de-escalate the situation, but historical tensions along their 900-kilometer volatile border persist.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister and other cabinet members, President Raisi will engage in diplomatic discussions with Pakistani leaders. His itinerary includes meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Senate, and Speaker of the National Assembly. Additionally, he will visit Lahore and Karachi to engage with provincial leadership.
The agenda for this visit aims to strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations across various domains. Key areas of focus include trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts. Notably, there are indications of progress on the multi-billion-dollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, which has faced delays. While Iran has completed its side of the pipeline construction, Pakistan is poised to begin work to fulfill its agreement with Iran and address its growing energy needs.
In addition to bilateral matters, the two sides will discuss regional and global developments, emphasizing cooperation in combating terrorism. Despite historical tensions, both countries recognize the importance of addressing common security threats and fostering stability in the region.
