Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Lahore on Tuesday morning, marking the second day of his official visit to Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed Raisi and his delegation at the airport.
In light of President Raisi’s visit, Punjab announced a public holiday in Lahore to alleviate potential traffic congestion for the local population. This visit holds significance as it marks the first by a foreign head of state since Pakistan’s recent government assumed power following the February 8 elections.
President Raisi’s visit commenced with his arrival in Islamabad a day earlier, where he received a warm welcome. During his first day, he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. Additionally, the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker also met with the visiting president.
Pakistan and Iran further solidified their cooperation through the signing of eight agreements covering various sectors including trade, science, technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judiciary. The signing ceremony, witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi, symbolized the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.
Among the signed agreements was an MoU establishing the Rimdan-Gabd Joint Free/Special Zone, underscoring the mutual commitment to economic collaboration. This memorandum was signed by representatives from both countries, including Secretary Board of Investment Ambreen Iftikhar and Iranian Advisor to President and Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Trade Industrial and Special Economic Zones, Hojjatollah Abdolmaleki.
