Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, during his official three-day visit to Pakistan, reaffirmed the unbreakable nature of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan. Addressing a gathering at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, President Raisi stressed the enduring links forged through history, culture, and religion. He emphasized that the ties between the two neighboring states were unyielding and deeply rooted.
The Iranian President’s remarks came amid a warning from the US State Department about potential sanctions risks associated with business dealings between Pakistan and Iran. However, President Raisi and his delegation, comprising high-ranking officials, were accorded a warm welcome upon their arrival in Karachi, the third leg of their visit.
Chief Minister of Sindh province, Murad Ali Shah, Governor Kamran Tessori, and provincial cabinet members extended a cordial reception to the visiting dignitaries at Jinnah International Airport. Additionally, President Asif Ali Zardari’s daughter, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, was present at the airport to greet the delegation. Stringent security measures were implemented at the airport and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and secure environment.
President Raisi later paid his respects at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. He then engaged in discussions with Governor Tessori at the Chief Minister’s House, covering various matters of mutual interest. Both sides expressed their commitment to promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries.
At a ceremony honoring President Raisi, Chief Minister Shah extended a warm welcome on behalf of the people of Sindh. He highlighted Pakistan and Iran’s history of mutual support and cooperation, emphasizing the importance that former leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, attached to the relationship between the two nations.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also met with President Raisi during his visit. In recognition of his contributions to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Iran, Governor Tessori, as Chancellor of the University of Karachi, bestowed an honorary doctorate in philosophy (PhD) upon the Iranian President.
President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, the first by a head of state since the February 8 general election, has been characterized by rigorous security measures, including air surveillance and temporary internet disruptions during his movements. Provincial governments declared local holidays in Lahore and Karachi to minimize inconvenience to the public resulting from these measures.
