On the third leg of his visit to Pakistan, Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi along with his delegation arrived in the port city of Karachi on Tuesday.
The Iranian president touched down in Islamabad on Monday on a three-day official visit from April 22 to 24. Raisi’s visit is the first by any head of state to Islamabad after the February 8 general election.
Strict security measures have been taken, including air surveillance along with temporary internet suspension during the dignitary’s movement. To avoid the consequent inconvenience to the general public, the provincial governments announced a local holiday in Lahore and Karachi.
During his visit to Karachi, the Iranian leader will meet Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Raisi will also visit Quaid’s mausoleum and pay his respects to the founder of Pakistan.
Earlier today, the Iranian president arrived in Lahore where he was warmly welcomed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Later, the visiting dignitary held separate meetings with CM Maryam and Governor Baligh Ur Rehman. The governor hosted a luncheon in honour of the distinguished guest and his delegation.
Meanwhile, the president visited the historic Government College University (GCU) and addressed the students and faculty.
Addressing the students, President Raisi said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted historical, religious, cultural and civilizational ties and both countries were keen to develop centres of arts and learning besides the promotion of arts and sciences.
“It was need of the hour to pay special attention to arts, sciences and technology to shine among the comity of nations.”
On Allama Iqbal, the Iranian President said the poetry of poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal enjoys special acceptance in Iran.
He said Pakistan and Iran maintain the same stance on the issue of Palestine issue. President Raisi said Iran would further enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the energy and other sectors.
Meanwhile, the Iranian president visited the mausoleum of national poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore. He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered fateha.
President Raisi penned his admiration for Iqbal’s literary legacy in the visitors’ book.