- Dr Ebrahim Raisi expresses his delight at being hosted in Sindh
- Pays homage at Quaid’s mausoleum, lays wreath of flowers after recitation of Fatiha
- Governor Tessori confers an honorary PhD degree upon Iranian President
KARACHI: The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, arrived in Karachi on Tuesday after his engagements in Lahore and Islamabad.
Upon his arrival, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah extended a warm welcome to the Iranian president at the airport.
Governor Tessori expressed gratitude for the distinguished guest’s visit to Karachi, stressing its significance in further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.
Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari along with provincial ministers Azra Pechuho, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Sardar Shah, joined in extending their greetings to President Raisi, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations.
A statement issued by CM Shah’s spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Channa said the Iranian president and provincial chief held a meeting discussing investment issues and bilateral economic opportunities.
Provincial ministers also attended the meeting. CM Shah said the Sindh government had always encouraged private enterprise and there were “vast investment opportunities” in various sectors across the province.
A ceremony was later held in honour of the Iranian president who also addressed it and “expressed his delight” at being hosted in Sindh.
Addressing the ceremony, CM Shah said: “It is a matter of pride and honour for me that today I am welcoming the president of a brotherly country, a long-time friend, sympathiser and benefactor of Pakistan,” adding that Pak-Iran relations spanned “centuries”.
“The religious, academic, cultural and economic ties between us are strong and deepening with time. Pakistan and Iran have supported each other wholeheartedly,” he said.
CM Shah said the two countries were passing through an “important period in history” where brotherhood, unity and mutual support were “essential”.
“We are facing various problems in which terrorism, illegal trade, climate change and its negative effects, increasing atrocities in Palestine and Kashmir are the top.
“Genocide of Muslims in Palestine and Kashmir is a matter of concern. In the eyes of Pakistan, a peaceful solution to the problems of Palestine and Kashmir is the most important need of the hour,” the chief minister said.
He added that Muslims should unite and support Palestinians in this difficult time.
Shah further said that Pakistan’s “firm and principled stand” was that there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Palestinians should be given their rights while the problem of Kashmiris must be solved in the light of UN resolutions.
Stringent security measures were enforced at the airport and its vicinity to prevent any potential disruptions.
According to sources familiar with the situation, in addition to meetings with the governor and the chief minister, President Raisi is scheduled to speak at a business forum and participate in a dinner hosted at the CM House.
In accordance with directives from the Ministry of Interior, mobile phone services will be temporarily suspended along specific routes in Karachi from 3pm on April 23 until 8am on April 24.
This precautionary measure aims to bolster security protocols during the visit of the Iranian president to Karachi.
President Raisi paid homage at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laying a wreath of flowers following the recitation of Fatiha. Sindh Governor Tessori and Chief Minister Murad joined him during this solemn visit.
President Raisi proceeded to the Chief Minister’s House, where he was warmly received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Governor Muhammad Kamran Tessori, and provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Jam Khan Shoro.
President Raisi held a meeting with Governor Tessori at the Chief Minister’s House, during which they engaged in discussions covering a range of topics of mutual interest. Highlighting the significance of cultural exchange, both leaders expressed their support for enhancing collaboration between Pakistan and Iran.
Governor Tessori underscored the deep-rooted historical ties between Pakistan and Iran, emphasising the enduring friendship between the two nations. In return, President Raisi conveyed his appreciation to Governor Tessori for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Sindh.
During a meeting with Iranian Consul General to Karachi, Hassan Nourian, earlier today, Governor Tessori reiterated the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Iran. Discussions encompassed various facets of Pakistan-Iran relations, the ongoing visit of President Raisi, and areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks, Governor Tessori underscored the enduring affection shared between the two nations, emphasising the potential for further collaboration and partnership.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori conferred an honorary doctorate degree upon President Ebrahim Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the University of Karachi for bestowing this honorary PhD degree upon President Raisi,” remarked Governor Tessori, emphasising the significance of this honour for both the university and the esteemed recipient.
Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Iran, Governor Tessori noted, “Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran have spanned over decades.”
Expressing his aspirations for stronger bonds between Muslim nations, Governor Tessori stated, “My earnest endeavour is to foster an exemplary relationship among Muslim countries. I am committed to further enhancing the ties between Iran and Pakistan.”
Highlighting the potential for economic cooperation, Governor Tessori extended an invitation to Iranian investors to explore the favourable investment climate in Pakistan. “I encourage Iranian investors to participate in the projects of SIFC,” he remarked, underscoring the mutual benefits of collaboration.
Governor Tessori acknowledged the pivotal role of the Iranian Ambassador and Consul General in facilitating and nurturing the relationship between the two nations.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Agriculture Minister Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mehr are meeting the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, at the Chief Minister House.
