Updated

Pakistan says Iran's Hassan Rouhani is expected in Islamabad on a two-day visit, his first as president of Iran.

The foreign ministry says Rouhani is due to arrive later on Friday. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two counties.

The ministry says the visit, which is taking place after the lifting of international sanctions on Iran following the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

The two sides are also expected to discuss resuming work on a stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, a project designed to help Pakistan meet its energy needs.

Washington had for years opposed the project amid concerns over Tehran's nuclear program.