Sri Lankan President.—Reuters Photo

ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived here Friday on a three-day state visit to Pakistan to further strengthen political, economic and defence ties between the two countries.

He was received at Chaklala Air Base by Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek, Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Eng Shaukat Ullah, and other officials.

The Sri Lankan president is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

A formal welcome ceremony for the guest would be held at the President House this afternoon when he arrives there to meet President Zardari.

During his visit, President Rajapaksha, besides meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The talks between the two countries would cover political, defense, cultural, tourism, media, economic, business and trade relations. A number of bilateral agreements are also expected to be signed between the two sides.

Opinion

Editorial

Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...
Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...