ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is expected to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in third week of April as part of efforts by two neighbours to remove mistrust after two exchanged missiles in January.

There is no official word yet from either side about exact dates of Iranian President’s visit but sources said Raisi would be in Islamabad on April 22.

This will be first visit by any head of state to Pakistan since new government took charge after February 8 elections. Visit is part of ongoing efforts by two countries to deepen their cooperation that in January was threatened by missile exchanges.

Iran launched missile strikes in Balochistan on January 16 in an unprecedented move to violate sovereignty of Pakistan. Iran claimed it targeted hideouts of terrorists. Pakistan denied claim and retaliated with its own strikes inside Iran, bringing two neighbours on verge of potential war.

However, tensions de-esclated quickly after high level contacts established between two countries. Within days of missile exchanges, Iranian President vowed to travel to Islamabad and both sides agreed to restore diplomatic ties and set new terms of engagements to avoid future escalations.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 09 2024

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