Iranian President expresses desire to address ‘public gathering’

LAHORE: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who is on a three-day visit, said on Tuesday that he wanted to address a public gathering in Pakistan.

“I wanted to address a public rally in Pakistan but the conditions were such that it could not be made possible,” said President Raisi as he visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore to pay his respect.

He laid floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered fateha. 

Raisi further said he did not “feel like a stranger at all while being in Pakistan”, adding that there were “special emotions and connection” with Pakistani people that kept the two nations connected.

He appreciated the Islamabad for its principled stand on Gaza.

During his address, President Ebrahim Raisi underscored the pivotal role of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s poetry as a bridge in fostering bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.

Iranian President reaches Lahore

He said both countries enjoy strong brotherly relations, which will be strengthened in future.

The President also commended Pakistan’s principled stance on the situation in Gaza.

Khateeb of the historical Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad offered special prayers for the enhancement of Pak-Iran relations and for the well-being of Muslims in Gaza.

Later, the President penned his admiration for Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s literary legacy in the visitors’ book.

He also received a briefing on the ongoing restoration efforts at Lahore’s historical sites, particularly within the Old Walled City.