President Ibrahim Raisi of Iran is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22, just a day after Iran carried out a significant drone and missile attack on Israel. Sources indicate that Islamabad and Tehran have finalized arrangements for President Raisi’s visit, during which he will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and will hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and military leadership.
The visit comes in the aftermath of Tehran’s retaliatory strike on Israel following an Israeli airstrike on its Damascus consulate, resulting in casualties including senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
President Raisi’s visit underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen their cooperation, following a temporary setback earlier this year due to cross-border strikes and subsequent diplomatic tensions. Despite the strained relations, diplomatic ties have been restored, with ambassadors returning to their posts.
The agenda of President Raisi’s visit reportedly includes discussions on bilateral ties, security cooperation, the gas pipeline project, and a potential free trade agreement. The visit holds significance due to the countries’ shared economic interests, particularly the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
In a separate development, Iran has announced that it will release Pakistani nationals stranded on a ship seized by Iranian forces after completing legal formalities and confirming their nationalities, underscoring the brotherly ties between the two countries.
