Iranian President Raisi’s Official Visit to Pakistan Confirmed by Foreign Office
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is set to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for an official visit from April 22 to 24.
Accompanied by his spouse and a delegation including the foreign minister, cabinet members, and other senior officials, as well as a significant business delegation, Raisi’s visit will mark the first by a head of state to Islamabad since the February 8 elections.
Confirmation from the Foreign Office follows the development of a comprehensive security plan for President Raisi’s visit, with Iranian security officials already in Pakistan to assess Pakistani authorities’ security measures, according to The News, citing Interior Ministry sources.
Given tensions between Iran and Israel, various law enforcement agencies, including the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and intelligence agencies, are involved to ensure a peaceful visit.
Security measures include air surveillance and temporary internet suspension during the dignitary’s movements.
During the visit, Raisi is scheduled to meet with Pakistani leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and provincial leadership.
The agenda for discussions between the two countries encompasses strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts, along with addressing regional and global developments and cooperating against terrorism.
The visit holds significance due to the countries’ shared economic interests, notably the Pak-Iran gas pipeline.
It is part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation, despite a temporary setback earlier this year when tensions arose over cross-border strikes and sovereignty breaches.
Diplomatic relations were subsequently restored, with ambassadors returning to their respective posts after a period of strain.