Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s three-day official visit to Pakistan, which commenced on April 22, 2024, marked a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing regional challenges. Tragically, this visit has gained a sombre significance following the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.
The Iranian president was accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials as well as a large business delegation.
During his stay, President Raisi met with key Pakistani leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. He also travelled to Lahore and Karachi to engage with provincial leadership. These discussions covered a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep historical, cultural, and religious connections. The Persian language and literature have deeply influenced Pakistani culture, especially in art, poetry, and philosophy.
A crucial outcome of these meetings was the signing of eight cooperation agreements, which included plans to finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to convene the next sessions of annual Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and the Joint Business Trade Committee (JBTC). The two sides also discussed the long-stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, with renewed commitments to overcoming the obstacles posed by international sanctions.
Both nations expressed a strong desire to boost economic ties, with a target to increase bilateral trade volume to $10 billion over the next five years from the current $2 billion. This ambition is to be supported by the operationalisation of barter trade mechanisms and the establishment of additional border markets to facilitate economic activities, given economic sanctions on Iran.
Security cooperation was another focal point of Raisi’s visit, which came months after the two countries exchanged airstrikes in border areas, an escalation of tensions that was quickly controlled. The Iranian president and Pakistani officials discussed strategies to combat terrorism, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure regional stability. The discussions also touched upon the need for improved border security to prevent terrorist activities, thereby reinforcing the notion of the Pakistan-Iran border as one of peace and friendship.
The visit came at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel in retaliation for an airstrike on the Iranian consular building in Damascus. Despite these tensions, both Iran and Pakistan reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. Pakistan urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalation.
The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, a project designed to alleviate Pakistan’s energy crisis, was a significant topic of discussion. While Iran has completed its section of the pipeline, progress on the Pakistani side has been hindered by the threat of US sanctions. Nevertheless, both countries expressed a commitment to advancing this project, viewing it as essential for their energy security and economic development.
Following the Iranian president’s visit, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan will not back off from the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
Following the Iranian president’s visit, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan will not back off from the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. During a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad in May, the foreign minister said: “We have to watch our interests, look at our commitments and the government has to make decisions while keeping Pakistan’s interest in mind about what we will do, when will we do and how will we do [no matter] what the US or other countries say.”
Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep historical, cultural, and religious connections. The Persian language and literature have deeply influenced Pakistani culture, especially in art, poetry, and philosophy. In Lahore, President Raisi met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Governor Balighur Rehman, reaffirming their commitment to cultural engagement. This included discussions on increasing cultural exchanges and fostering people-to-people contacts.
President Raisi’s visit concluded with a joint statement highlighting the broad spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation in various sectors.
The tragic helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, that claimed the lives of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others has deeply affected both nations. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives. In their statements, they extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and highlighted President Raisi’s dedicated services to the Muslim Ummah and his strong advocacy for the unity of Muslim communities globally.
Despite the tragic loss of President Raisi, the outcomes of this visit, particularly in terms of economic and security cooperation, are likely to have a lasting impact on the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Iran. The shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and fostering regional stability will continue to guide the relationship between the two neighboring countries.
