Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, have discussed mending relations between Islamabad and Tehran following an exchange of unprecedented military strikes earlier this year.

Shehbaz’s office stated that the leaders had a "vital discussion" on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade and communications, and "agreed on the necessity of joint efforts by both countries in combating terrorism."

Upon his arrival in the Pakistani capital this morning, Raisi warned of Israel's attempts "to sabotage the relations between Islamic countries," before meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Raisi's visit to Islamabad came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel last week, and central Iran was hit by what sources claim was an Israeli assault on Friday.

Shehbaz Sharif called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and, during a joint press conference with Raisi, urged Islamic countries to present a united stance to end the conflict in Gaza.

Sharif said, "Pakistan and Iran are concerned about the situation of Gaza's inhabitants and condemn the crimes of the Zionist regime... We demand all countries cooperate to end crimes in Gaza as soon as possible."

The history of relations between Iran and Pakistan has been tense, with the missile attacks in January being the most severe incidents in years. Efforts to calm the situation soon led to each country affirming respect for the other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledging to enhance security cooperation.

The visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to Islamabad in late January resulted in both sides pledging to improve dialogue and appoint liaison officers. The Iranian bombing and the corresponding Pakistani response in January resulted in 11 casualties on both sides, mostly women and children, according to authorities.

Raisi’s visit marks a significant step towards normalizing relations with Islamabad. However, in Iran, it's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, not the president, who has the final say in core state affairs, like foreign policy and nuclear matters.

Raisi mentioned that both countries share common ground in fighting terrorism, emphasizing the fight against instability, organized crime, and drug trafficking. He added, "The current level of relations is unacceptable; thus, we decided to elevate our trade and economic relations to $10 billion," highlighting that "the border between the two countries presents an opportunity that can be utilized for uplifting their peoples."

Before leaving Tehran, Raisi told reporters that discussions with the Pakistani government would focus on border issues. The Iranian and Pakistani delegations signed memoranda of understanding for cooperation in various economic, cultural, health, and agricultural sectors.

Raisi arrived in Islamabad on Monday morning for a three-day official visit amidst heightened security measures in the Pakistani capital, where he was welcomed by Pakistani Foreign Minister, Mohammed Ishaq Dar.

Iranian media quoted Raisi telling the Pakistani Foreign Minister that "the relations between the two countries go beyond mere good neighborliness and are based on the foundation of brotherhood, heartfelt relations, and historical ties." Raisi stated, "The Zionists exploit differences among Islamic countries; thus, our strategy is unity against the strategy of our enemies."

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated, "The Iranian President is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation," including the Foreign Minister and other government officials and senior officials. Raisi also met with Pakistani officials during his visit, aside from encounters with Shehbaz Sharif and planned visits to Lahore in the east and the southern coastal city of Karachi.

Major highways in Islamabad were closed as part of the security arrangements for Raisi's arrival, and the government declared a public holiday in Karachi.

Former Pakistani diplomat and international relations expert, Maleeha Lodhi, sees this visit as "an opportunity to get relations back on track and repair the damage done in January." Lodhi told AFP, "The main challenge is managing the border, where militants are present on both sides of the Iranian-Pakistani border; thus, the visit could result in some agreement on this matter."

Security issues expert Qamar Cheema pointed out that the visit aims to "reduce the mistrust" between the two sides. He expects "improvements in border management and a move towards more unified trade practices, which would reduce informal trade and smuggling." Cheema emphasized that "our economic relations are not on the level of our political relations."

A prominent agreement between Iran and Pakistan is the stalled 2010 gas supply agreement for building a pipeline from Iran's South Pars gas field to Pakistan's Baluchistan and Sindh provinces. Despite having completed its part of the 1800-kilometer pipeline, aimed at linking South Pars gas fields to Nawabshah in Pakistan near Karachi, Islamabad has been hesitant to start construction on its part due to fears of U.S. sanctions, concerns Tehran dismisses.

Pakistan has sought exemptions from the United States, which states it does not support the project and has warned of sanction risks in dealing with Tehran. Due to potential penalty risks for breaching the agreement, worth billions of dollars, Pakistan recently greenlit the construction of a 80-kilometer section of the pipeline.