Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi lauds Pakistan's stance on war-torn Gaza
Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed President Raisi at Lahore airport
- The foreign dignitary visits Mazar-e-Iqbal, other historical places
- Says he wanted to address a public gathering in Lahore
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport from Islamabad here on Tuesday morning.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed the Iranian president as he touched down at Lahore airport. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari was also present.
Provincial ministers Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Chaudhry Shafey Hussain, Bilal Yasin, the chief secretary and IG Punjab were also in attendance. A smartly turned out contingent of Punjab Rangers presented guard of honour to President Raisi.
City roads have been decorated with welcome banners and hoardings on arrival of Iranian President. President Raisi, after landing in Lahore, went straight to Mazar-e-Iqbal and laid floral wreath on the grave of Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Lauds Pakistan's stance on Gaza
The Iranian president lauded Pakistan's support for Gaza and its people amid relentless atrocities by Israel.
He said Allama Iqbal showed a new path to the Muslims the world over. As for Gaza war, he said the supreme leader was of firm opinion that the people of Palestine would emerge victorious in the fight and Israel would face defeat.
He said he was thoroughly enjoying his visit to Pakistan and he was feeling at home. He said he wanted to address the people of Pakistan.
During his visit to Lahore, the Iranian president also visited Minar-e-Pakistan, Badshahi Masjid and Lahore Fort.
Later, Raisi met Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman at the Governor House where they discussed matters of mutual interest, Radio Pakistan reported.
Governor Rehman also hosted a luncheon in honour of the president and his delegation, the report said.
The foreign dignitary left for Karachi after meeting Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman. He expressed his admiration for Allama Iqbal’s literary legacy in the visitors’ log book and he was also briefed on the ongoing restoration efforts at Lahore’s historical sites, especially the Old Walled City.
Local holiday
Provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh have declared local holidays in Lahore and Karachi on the occasion of Iranian president's visit to both capital cities.
According to the administration's notification, public and private schools, colleges and universities will remain closed today. Public and private offices will also remain closed on the occasion.
