Iranian president Pezeshkian arrives in Pakistan on official visit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, state broadcaster PTV reported. During his visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will call on the visiting dignitary. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and