Iranian President pays respects at Iqbal’s mausoleum

LAHORE: Iranian 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.

Recording impressions in the visitor’s 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, the official news agency reported.

“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 Iqbal is held in high esteem in Iran for his poetic works in the Persian language and is lovingly called ‘Iqbal e Lahori’ (Iqbal of Lahore) by the Iranians.

Meanwhile, President Raisi said on Tuesday that Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted historical, religious, cultural and civilizational ties and both countries were keen to develop centres of arts and learning besides promotion of arts and sciences.

Addressing the students and faculty at the historic Government College University (GCU), he said it was need of the hour to pay special attention to arts, sciences and technology in order to shine among the comity of nations.

President Raisi said that our universities were centres of learning and research and a comprehensive strategy in the education sector may pay dividends.

He said Pakistan and Iran maintain the same stance on the issue of Palestine. He said Iran would further enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the energy and other sectors.

The Iranian President thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the cordial hospitality during his visit.

In her address, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Bashir welcomed the Iranian President to the corridors of the historic Government College.

She said Pakistan and Iran could open up new vistas of progress and development through bilateral cooperation in the education sector.