Islamabad: Following Iran’s extraordinary drone and missile assault on Israel, President Ibrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22nd, as per sources informed on Monday.
According to reports, Islamabad and Tehran have reached a consensus regarding the details of President Raisi’s visit.
He will be accompanied by a senior delegation and will engage in meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and the country’s military leadership.
Following the incident where Tehran responded to an Israeli airstrike on its Damascus consulate, resulting in the loss of multiple lives including Iran’s esteemed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, a visit ensues.
This visit comes after Iran deployed over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel as a form of retaliation.
In addition to this, the visit serves as a continuation of the joint endeavors by the two nations to strengthen their collaboration, which experienced a brief interruption earlier this year.
In January, the relationship between the two countries deteriorated due to Pakistan’s response to Tehran’s cross-border attacks. In retaliation, Pakistan conducted precise operations using drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons to target terrorists within Iranian territory.
Pakistan demonstrated its disapproval by removing its ambassador from Iran and refusing entry to the Iranian envoy visiting his home country at that time. This was a symbolic act in response to Iran’s violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The diplomatic relationship, nonetheless, swiftly recovered as the envoys of both nations resumed their duties at their respective diplomatic positions.
According to the publication, the sources mentioned that President Raisi’s agenda encompasses aspects such as enhancing bilateral relations, focusing on security cooperation, exploring the gas pipeline project, and considering the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA).
The visit of the Iranian president is significant because both nations have vital economic connections, particularly concerning the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline.
It is essential to note that, in a separate event, Iran announced on Monday their intention to release stranded Pakistanis from a ship captured by Iranian forces. This decision comes after confirming their nationalities and completing legal procedures, as a result of the strong brotherly ties between the two nations.
The Iranian representative in Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moqadam, was informed that they were anticipating the confirmation of Pakistani citizens being aboard the vessel.
