President of Iran Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the University of Karachi on Tuesday.

The ceremony saw the convergence of notable dignitaries including Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah alongside a cohort of state parliamentarians, local officials, and faculty members from the University of Karachi.

Vice-Chancellor Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, in his address, elucidated that the prestigious accolade was bestowed upon President Raisi in recognition of his remarkable academic accomplishments and profound contributions to jurisprudence and law.

The University of Karachi, renowned for its academic eminence spanning over 73 years, stands as a beacon of intellectual prowess in the region, attracting students not only from within Pakistan but also from Iran, among other nations.

The ceremony also served as a platform for a fruitful exchange between President Raisi and Governor Tessori, wherein matters of mutual interest were deliberated upon.

Both leaders underscored their commitment to enhancing cultural ties between Iran and Pakistan, stresing the historical affinity and shared values between the two nations.

Governor Tessori, reflecting on the enduring diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran, hailed the conferment of the honorary degree as a testament to the profound respect and admiration harboured for President Raisi.

He articulated a vision of fostering exemplary relations among Muslim nations, expressing his fervent desire to fortify the bond between Iran and Pakistan.

Highlighting the economic potential, Governor Tessori extended an invitation to Iranian investors, extolling the conducive environment for investment in Sindh and reaffirming his commitment to facilitating bilateral trade and collaboration.

Raisi touches down in Karachi

Following departure from Lahore, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi touched down in Karachi on the second day of his three-day official visit to Pakistan.

President Raisi was welcomed by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah along with notable figures including Aseefa Bhutto, Azra Pechuho, Sharjeel Memon, and Nasir Shah.

The Iranian president also paid a visit to the Founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah's mausoleum (Mazar-i-Quaid) along with aforementioned figures. Meanwhile, the visiting dignitary laid floral wreath at the Mazar, offered Fateha and paid tribute to the great leader of Pakistan for his leadership skills.

This marks the first visit by a foreign head of state since the new government assumed power after the February 8 elections.

Security measures in Karachi have been significantly heightened, with major thoroughfares closed to traffic and strict enforcement of Section 144. Drone camera usage has been banned, and mobile services are experiencing partial disruptions in some areas.

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Furthermore, the Iranian President is slated to receive an honorary doctorate from the Governor of Sindh, and meetings with various dignitaries are scheduled at the Governor's House.

Both tracks of Shaara Faisal, a vital artery of Karachi's transportation network, have been completely sealed, affecting traffic from Jinnah Airport to Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), and routes from Shaara Faisal to Shaara Quaideen and Gurumandir.

Additionally, all petrol pumps along Shaara Faisal have been shuttered, and banners welcoming President Raisi adorn the thoroughfares and surrounding streets.

President Raisi feels 'sense of familiarity' in Pakistan

President Raisi registers his comments in the visitors' book. Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday that he was feeling a "sense of familiarity" in Pakistan.

According to details, Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi visited the mausoleum of poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal. President Raisi was presented with a guard of honour upon his arrival at the mausoleum of Iqbal.

On this occasion, the Iranian president received a briefing. President Raisi laid a wreath on Iqbal’s grave and offered fateha. Badshahi Masjid Khatib Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad Mosque offered prayers.

The Iranian president acknowledged the role of Pakistan regarding the fundamental principles in connection with Gaza. President Raisi made it clear that there was no sense of foreignness in Pakistan.

He expressed his resolve that ties between both the countries will be further boosted with time. Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi acknowledged Allama Iqbal's guidance for the Muslim world. Paying tribute to Iqbal, President Raisi also registered his comments in the visitors' book.