Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi concluded his inaugural three-day official visit to Pakistan with what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described as “productive discussions” between the two nations, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The discussions, deemed fruitful by both sides, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, connectivity, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
During his stay, President Raisi engaged in meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, as well as chief ministers and governors from Sindh and Punjab.
Accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, including the foreign minister, cabinet members, senior officials, and business representatives, Raisi visited Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
In Lahore, he paid his respects at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and visited GC University, where he met with CM Maryam Nawaz and Governor Baligh Ur Rehman.
Expressing his affinity with Pakistan, Raisi expressed a desire to hold a public gathering, although logistical constraints prevented its realization.
In Karachi, Raisi addressed a ceremony at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House, emphasizing the enduring strength of bilateral relations between Islamabad and Tehran. He reiterated the historical, cultural, and religious ties binding the two neighboring nations.
During his visit to Quaid’s mausoleum, Raisi paid homage to the founder of Pakistan. He then met with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to discuss mutual interests, agreeing to enhance cultural exchanges.
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Tessori, as the chancellor of the University of Karachi, conferred an honorary doctorate in philosophy (PhD) upon the Iranian president.
Raisi’s visit, the first by a head of state to Pakistan since the February 8 general election, was marked by stringent security measures and temporary internet suspension to ensure his safety and minimize public inconvenience. Local holidays were declared in Lahore and Karachi to mitigate disruptions.
