Islamabad, Jan 18, IRNA - Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif along with the country's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif is to pay a visit to Iran on Tuesday to be the first leader visiting the energy-rich country just four days after lifting of the sanction.


Though Pakistan prime minister is going to visit Saudi Arabia day before his Iran visit to play the role of a mediator to ease diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Riyadh, needless to say, the PM’s visit to Iran and his planned meetings with Iran’s top officials is a unique opportunity for Pakistan to take benefit from the new economic and trade opportunities emerging in the post-sanctions Iran.

Analysts believe that Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming mediatory visit to Iran to put off tensions between Tehran and Riyadh, even should be seen as a second priority as the crucial visit at a unique time could be used as a golden chance to enhance trade and economy with Iran.

Over one year has passed from Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline agreement deadline on 31 of December 2014 and so far Iran has not asked its friendly neighboring country for the penalty mentioned in the agreement for delay, a friendly and good willing gesture from Pakistan neighboring country to show its eagerness on developing more ties with its neighbors.

Already many governments have welcomed lifting of sanctions off Iran and expressed eagerness to take benefit from huge economy and trade potentials of the energy-rich country.

Giant oil companies and numerous foreign industrial and trade companies are in line to resume economic and trade cooperation with Iran.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the country's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif leave for Saudi Arabia and Iran today.

Nawaz Sharif would also be accompanied by Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi.

By IRNA