My office can be called a “Peace Office”. My office has been visited by both US diplomats and Iranian diplomats, stationed in Lahore.
Those who visit my office often ask me one question. When they see the pictures hanging on right side are of US diplomats and Iranian diplomats, they often ask me that which side I belong to.
My answer is that journalists do not take sides; instead they offer a platform for dialogue for lasting peace.
When our editorial comrades sat for discussing on how to cover the Iranian president’s tour to Pakistan, most of them were of the opinion that the president’s tour should be covered in Pakistan’s perspectives.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s arrival in Islamabad marks an important moment in Pakistan’s diplomatic scene. The whole nation extends a warm welcome at a time when the neighbour country faces escalating tensions in the Middle East. The three-day visit, laden with significance, seeks to fortify bilateral ties between the two countries while addressing the volatile geopolitical currents of the region.
Accompanied by his spouse and a delegation comprising esteemed cabinet members and businesspersons, President Raisi’s presence in the federal capital is a proud moment for Pakistan. He was greeted at the Islamabad Airport by Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, the Iranian leader’s arrival set the stage for substantive discussions and diplomatic engagements.
The timing of President Raisi’s visit is particularly noteworthy, coming in the wake of heightened hostilities between Iran and Israel, and ensuing exchanges of drone and missile strikes.
Against this backdrop of regional instability, both countries stand important to each other. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings to President Raeesi at the Prime Minister’s House.
Amidst ceremonial pomp, President Raisi was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Pakistan Army upon his arrival, symbolising the reverence and esteem with which Pakistan regards its Iranian guest.
In a symbolic gesture to mark Earth Day, Prime Minister Sharif and President Raisi planted a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House; this shows the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Beyond ceremonial formalities, President Raisi engaged in substantive discussions with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors. Emphasising the importance of constructive dialogue, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and regional stability amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s top leadership, including the Prime Minister, President, Senate Chairman, and National Assembly Speaker, President Raisi’s itinerary will strengthen the depth of bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Iran. Venturing beyond Islamabad, President Raisi will visit Lahore and Karachi to meet provincial leadership, amplifying the reach and impact of diplomatic overtures.
Imagine, a few weeks ago, both countries exchanged fire and during this trip, that tensions and periodic escalations along the Pakistan-Iran border would be discussed. Rooted in shared concerns over militancy and border security, the relationship between the two nations has weathered its share of challenges, including aerial skirmishes earlier this year.
During the trip, the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline will be discussed as both countries aim to strengthen ties and cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts. The key energy project – the $7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline – is the most important project for both Iran and Pakistan. Islamabad views this pipeline as crucial to ending its chronic power crisis, a major obstacle to economic growth. The project was inaugurated in 2013 with much fanfare, but international sanctions on Iran immediately halted construction. Despite the setback, Iran completed its portion of the 1,800-kilometer pipeline, which would connect its South Pars gas fields to the Pakistani city of Nawabshah near Karachi.
In February 2024, facing potential billions in fines for delays, Pakistan’s caretaker government approved construction of an initial 80-kilometer section. However, this move complicates Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, which opposes the pipeline and could impose sanctions.
