In a balancing act, PM Imran to visit Iran.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan will soon make a maiden visit to Tehran, which observers see as part of Pakistan's efforts to maintain a delicate balance in its ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

'The visit is expected to take place this month as dates are being worked out,' a senior Foreign Office official told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

The visit has been due since Imran took over as prime minister in August last year.

However, apparent tensions triggered by border incidents and a militant attack targeting the Iranian Revolutionary Gguards in February prevented the two sides from finalising the visit.

The friction has eased in recent weeks after Pakistan recovered the abducted Iranian border guards as well as assurance given by Prime Minister Imran to Iranian President Hassan Rowhani that Islamabad would not allow its soil to be used against the neighbouring country.

In a recent interaction with a group of journalists, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardost also confirmed the easing of tensions as the two sides agreed not to allow 'third parties' to undermine their longstanding relationship.

During his visit to Tehran, Imran will hold formal talks with the Iranian president and also meet the Supreme Leader Ayatullah Khamenei.

The visit is seen as crucial as it comes against the backdrop of a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Ben Salman to Islamabad in February.

Relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has seen unprecedented warmth since the change of government in Islamabad with the prime minister making back to back visits to Riyadh soon after taking charge.

The flurry of visits culminated with Saudi Arabia agreeing to give a bailout package for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to help it deal with the worsening economic crises.

Not only that but Saudi Arabia's close ally, the United Arab...