Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi is set to embark on a significant official tour to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leading a high-level politico-economic delegation.
President Raeisi will depart from Tehran for Islamabad on Monday, initiating his two-day visit to Pakistan. During his stay, he is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and participate in a joint session with high-ranking officials from both nations. Additionally, Raeisi is slated to meet with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and engage with religious scholars, intellectuals, traders, and economic stakeholders in various cities.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that the discussions between the Iranian and Pakistani authorities will encompass regional and global developments, focusing on bilateral cooperation to address the shared challenge of terrorism. President Raeisi's itinerary includes visits to major Pakistani cities, including Lahore and Karachi, to emphasize and bolster bilateral and trade relations.
The bilateral relationship between Iran and Pakistan experienced strains due to cross-border tensions arising from Iran's counter-terrorism operations. On January 16, Iran conducted drone and missile strikes on two bases of Jaish ul-Adl, a terror group responsible for several attacks on Iranian territory. The group had previously claimed an attack on a police station in Rask in December 2023, resulting in the death of 11 Iranian police officers.
Subsequently, Pakistan launched strikes on January 17 against alleged bases of the Baloch Liberation Front and Baloch Liberation Army near Iran's border, which Iran criticized as biased. However, diplomatic ties were restored shortly after, with ambassadors resuming their roles by the end of January.
Following his Pakistan visit, President Raeisi will proceed to Colombo on Wednesday for an official one-day visit at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The two leaders are expected to engage in private discussions and attend the inauguration of the Uma Oya multipurpose development project. This project, featuring two dams and a 120MW hydropower plant, was designed and executed by Iranian experts. Despite initial setbacks due to sanctions and other challenges, the project is now valued at $529 million and nearing completion.
