AT a crucial time once politics of the Middle East is undergoing massive transformation and instability, the visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan is considered very significant and timely. This three days visit of President Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan changed many misperceptions which existed about the bilateral relationship between Iran and Pakistan. This visit has added a new perspective and outlined a new dimension in the bilateral relations of two traditionally very close and brotherly Muslim countries. At the regional level, the visit is being viewed as an effort for regional integration whereas, at global level, the visit is being regarded as an effort for the reconciliation and rejuvenation of Muslim states. Nevertheless, the visit strengthened the Pak-Iran relations from all angles; political, economic, social and strategic. Despite very strong statements and warnings from Washington, Iran and Pakistan announced complete solidarity and unanimity with the aggrieved people of Palestine and condemned the Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza.
Besides, both sides agreed to boost the economic cooperation between Islamabad and Tehran. The joint statement elaborates the visit as; an effort for expanding the trade and economic cooperation through transformation of the common border from ‘border of peace’ to a ‘border of prosperity’. This will be implemented through a mechanism of “joint development-oriented economic projects, including setting up of joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings.” Very surprisingly, Islamabad is being asked by........