Lahore (Web Desk): His excellency President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi paid a visit to the mausoleum of Poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal during his visit to the historic city of Lahore on Tuesday.
President Raisi laid a floral wreath at the grave of the great poet and philosopher, and offered Fateha.
A smartly turned out contingent of the Rangers presented guard of honour to the distinguished dignitary.
Speaking on the occasion, President Ebrahim Raisi underscored the pivotal role of Allama Muhammad Iqbal's poetry as a bridge in fostering bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
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 at Iqbal’s mausoleum.
Dr Raisi hailed Dr Muhammad Iqbal as a common chapter in the deep and historic bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan.
“Islamic Republic of Iran’s supreme leader termed Allama Iqbal as the ‘Brightest Star of the East’ and I am pleased to pay my respects at the mausoleum of a Muslim scholar and standard-bearer of unity among the Muslim Ummah. I salute the spirit of this great person,” the Iranian President wrote.
Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal is held high esteem in Iran for his poetic works in Persian language and is lovingly called ‘Iqbal e Lahori’ (Iqbal of Lahore) by the Iranians.
Earlier today, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday reached Lahore on the second leg of his three-day official visit to Pakistan.
President Raisi was received warmly by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif who presented a bouquet to the distinguished dignitary upon arrival at the Lahore Airport.
Senior Provincial Minister Murriyum Aurangzeb besides Provincial Ministers Azma Bokhari, Bilal Yasin and Khawaja Salman Rafique were also present at the reception.
