Memoir: Visit of Ayatollah Raisi to Pakistan, unforgettable for Muslim Ummah

Shiite News: Pakistani journalist and analyst Tauqeer Kharal has sent a special note to Mehr News Urdu on the occasion of the first anniversary of “Martyr Ayatollah Raisi”, the text of which is as follows:

The martyrdom of scholar, mujahid, servant of Imam Reza (AS) and servant of the Islamic Ummah, great revolutionary leader Ayatollah Dr. Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi is not only a great loss for the Iranian nation but also a common grief for all of us.

Even after a year, this wound has not healed. The life of this great son of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was dedicated for strengthening Ummah, support for the oppressed, the liberation of Palestine and the help of the oppressed and weak.

Syed’s martyrdom grieved freedom-loving, anti-colonial and pure-natured people around the world.

Observers had described Iranian President Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan as positive and promising move.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made his last and historic visit to Pakistan a month before his martyrdom.

This visit was memorable and unique in many respects. During his last visit to Pakistan, he had expressed his desire to address the Pakistani nation, which could not be fulfilled due to some reasons.

Unfortunately, he was martyred in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, and this regret stayed with him.

This visit was seen as the beginning of a new chapter in Pak-Iran relations, as important discussions were held on bilateral affairs, the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, and the situation in the Middle East.

Meetings with the Pakistani leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, laid the foundation for further strengthening the relationship.

The Pakistani people and leadership expressed deep sorrow over Raisi’s martyrdom, which is also evident from social media posts, where his visit and his closeness to Pakistanis were recalled.

This sorrow is not only because of his unfulfilled intention but also because of the hope that his visit has awakened for the relations between the two countries.

Although two days were very short in terms of the trip, a lot was gained in the short time of 2 days.

Meetings with the military and political leadership and visits to various institutions had a profound and positive impact on the relations between the two countries.

Despite the opposition of American imperialism, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi’s last visit to Pakistan was memorable.

After Iran’s historic attack on Israel, all the Pakistan wanted to see President Raisi and express their feelings.

In the past, it has been a wonderful tradition that whenever heads of state visited Pakistan, they would at least give a public address at the level of Lahore.

When Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was the President of Iran, it was during the era of Zia-ul-Haq, he was given a historic and warm welcome and public gathering in Pakistan.

Former Iranian President Khatami had addressed a public gathering during the Musharraf era.

When President Rouhani visited Pakistan, it was Raheel Sharif’s era. By mentioning controversial issues, practical proof of American slavery was given.

During the visit of Iranian President Ayatollah Raisi, the Pakistani government was under pressure from American imperialism.

Despite this, it was a successful and wonderful visit. Serious implementation of the agreements that have been signed is tantamount to paying tribute to the martyr.

It is also worth mentioning that the United States had expressed strong anger over the recent visit of the President of Iran. Apart from American imperialism, those who chewed the bones of their table were also suffering.

Memorable moments

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi came to Pakistan on a 3-day visit from April 22 to April 24.

During this time, he spent a busy time in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. In his meetings with senior government figures, various aspects of relations between Pakistan and Iran were discussed.

Further strengthening of Pak-Iran relations, promotion of relations in various fields including agriculture, trade, communication, energy and public relations were discussed. Pakistan and Iran also signed 8 memorandums of understanding and agreed to take bilateral trade to $10 billion.

Iranian First Lady Jamila Alam-ul-Huda, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, cabinet members, senior officials and a large trade delegation were also accompanying the President. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada welcomed him at the Nur Khan Air Base.

In accordance with Pakistani culture, children also presented bouquets to the Iranian President. On the first day of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted lunch for the Iranian guests.

Several ministers, including the Chairman Senate and the Speaker National Assembly, met with the Iranian President at his hotel.

Despite his opposition to American imperialism, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi’s last visit to Pakistan was memorable.

Iranian President Dr. Syed Ebrahim Raisi was welcomed by Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House.

After this, a guard of honor was presented to him by a contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces. After the guard of honor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced the distinguished guest, the Iranian President and the First Lady, one by one to the members of the federal cabinet.

The Iranian President shook hands with everyone in turn. Iranian President Dr. Syed Ebrahim Raisi also planted a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House on the occasion of World Earth Day.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad, the Iranian president said that we understand

That there is a great potential in relations between Pakistan and Iran, and the exchange of this potential and capacity will benefit the people of both countries. We have decided that both countries will increase their trade, economic, and cultural relations.

He said that both countries have the same position on various issues, be it terrorism or organized crime. Both countries have taken the same position on various forums.

We do not want to expand our relations at the individual level, but at the country level. The trade volume between Pakistan and Iran is unacceptable. We have decided to increase it to $10 billion.

Ebrahim Raisi said that we want to use our common borders for the benefit of our people. We had made an aerial tour of the border markets, but this was not enough.

More steps are needed for the benefit of the people of both sides. Iran benefited from the illegal trade sanctions on Iran, and Iran used these sanctions to develop its economic situation and technology.

8 memorandums of understanding were signed between Pakistan and Iran in different sectors. Iranian President and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif were also present on the occasion.

The memorandums were signed by the relevant officials of both countries. President Asif Ali Zardari had said that it was an honor for me to welcome Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace.

The Pak-Iranian presidents expressed satisfaction with the pace of bilateral relations in the meeting and agreed to further strengthen their dialogue and cooperation to strengthen the existing relations.

They had said that Pakistan and Iran are bound by the bonds of common religion, history and culture. In the meeting, both leaders stressed the importance of increasing efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations in all areas of cooperation.

Regional and global developments were also discussed and the commitment to peace and constructive dialogue to resolve regional challenges was reiterated.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, along with a delegation of members of the National Assembly, had met Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

Matters of mutual interest, including parliamentary ties, were discussed in the meeting. It was agreed to promote joint efforts and bilateral cooperation for regional stability and economic prosperity.

On this occasion, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir said that there is a need to strengthen mutual contacts on the Pak-Iran border, as terrorists want to harm Pak-Iran relations.

President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized that by promoting cooperation between the two armed forces, both Pakistan and Iran can achieve peace and stability for their nations and the region.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz received Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi upon his arrival at Lahore Airport. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Provincial Information Minister Uzma Bukhari also accompanied him.

The distinguished guests were treated to traditional dishes at the lunch hosted by the Chief Minister Punjab. On this occasion, matters of mutual interest were also discussed.

After visiting the Iqbal shrine and reciting Fateha, the Iranian President said that like our own nation, we are also proud of the Pakistani nation, which has taken a firm stand against the Zionist forces.

This relationship has become an unbreakable bond between the two nations. The Supreme Leader of Iran also says that victory will ultimately belong to the oppressed people of Gaza, destruction, defeat and defeat will be the destiny of the usurping forces.

The Iranian President said that the personality of Iqbal is very important for us, Iqbal stood against colonialism, the message he gave us is worthy of imitation.

The incident that happened in the heart of Iqbal is a characteristic of his poetry. His poetry plays the role of a bridge between Iran and Pakistan. Earlier, the Iranian President laid flowers at the Iqbal shrine and also recorded his impressions in the guest book.

Iqbal’s Persian poetry was also recited to the Iranian President. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Imam of Badshahi Mosque, was also present on the occasion.

The Iranian President was welcomed at the airport by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Governor Kamran Tesori, Asifa Bhutto, Sharjeel Memon and others.

The Iranian President reached the Governor House from the airport. He also held one-on-one meetings with the Governor of Sindh and the Chief Minister of Sindh.

The Iranian President and the Governor of Sindh agreed to increase cultural exchanges between the two countries, while the Governor of Sindh also conferred an honorary PhD degree on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

The Iranian President made it clear in his address at the dinner that no power in the world can spoil Pak-Iran relations, the relations of the two countries are linked by a strong bond of history, culture and religion.

He also announced to stand firm against the Zionist state and declared the freedom of Palestine as the top priority. After arriving in Karachi, the Iranian President reached the Quaid-e-Azam shrine where he laid flowers at the mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and recited Fateha.

He also recorded his impressions in the guest book. Governor Kamran Tesori, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other leaders were also present at the Iranian President’s visit to the Quaid-e-Azam shrine.

Later, the Iranian president left for Iran after completing his visit to Pakistan.