Iranian President Raisi says he wanted to address 'public gathering' in Pakistan

LAHORE: Following his arrival in Lahore, Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday said he wanted to address a public gathering during his ongoing three-day official visit to Pakistan.

“I wanted to address a public gathering in Pakistan, however, it could not be possible due to some reasons," said President Raisi as he visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore to pay his respects to the "poet of East".

During the visit, President Raisi said that he did not feel "alienated" in Pakistan, highlighting that the people of the country have a special affinity with Iran.

Raisi said that the hearts of Pakistan and Iran will always be linked together.

Appreciating the South Asian nation for its principled stand on Gaza, Raisi said the Palestinians will be successful in the war with Israel.

"Allama Iqbal's personality is very important for us. He gave a message on how to stand against colonialism," the president said.

President Raisi's Lahore visit

Earlier, the president arrived in Lahore where he was warmly welcomed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.

As the head of state landed in Lahore, CM Maryam welcomed the guests upon their arrival. 

Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senator Pervez Rasheed, Minister for Secondary Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Suleman Rafiq, Food minister Bilal Yasin, Industries Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain were present at the occasion. 

Moreover, chief secretary, inspector general of police, Iranian Consul General Mehran Mowahid in Lahore and other officials were also present at the airport. 

President Raisi will also visit GC University Lahore and later meet CM Maryam and Governor of Punjab Baligh Ur Rehman during his visit to the city. 

Punjab government also announced a public holiday in Lahore today for the convenience of the general public and commuters during President's Raisi's visit. 

Later, the Iranian leader will travel to Karachi where his meetings are scheduled with Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Raisi will also visit Quaid's mausoleum in Karachi and pay his respects to the founder of Pakistan. The foreign leader would stay in Karachi and return to Tehran on Wednesday.