ISLAMABAD : Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan Mashallah Shakiri has said that strong relations and effective cooperation between Pakistan and Iran is necessary for the peace, stability and progress of the region.
He said that Iran is ready to provide every kind of support in
constructing new dams to meet Pakistan’s energy challenges, adding that
Pakistan’s trade with Iran is more profitable then China.
Addressing a seminar on the topic “Pak-Iran relations in changing
regional situation” organized by Institute of Policy Studies on
Wednesday.
He said that millions of people are on the roads in the Middle East
for Islamic revolution, adding that it is their democratic right to
elect honest leadership in their respective countries. He said that
Islamic revolution once come in Iran and they observed the revolution
so they understand the feelings and sentiments of Middle East masses.
He said that Iran is the first country, which recognized Pakistan
and both important countries of the region has strong historic,
economic, cultural and brotherly relations. He said that Iran always
offered his support for the solution of disputes with India and
solution of Afghanistan conflict, adding that they offered cooperation
in energy, infrastructure and transportation sectors.
He said that in energy sector Iran is ready to provide electricity
with natural gas, adding that Iran is already exporting electricity to
Pakistan. He said that banking and bureaucracy are the biggest hurdles
in cooperation between the two countries in energy sector, adding that
these problems can be solved under the international laws. He said that
they can increase their offer three times for providing the electricity
to Pakistan. He said that Iran is also a time-tested friend of Pakistan
like China, adding that Pakistan leadership visited China but why they
do not visit Iran. Replying a question, he said that they are in favor
of peace in Jammu Kashmir and they are ready to play their role to
solve the disputes between Pakistan and India.
Addressing the seminar Chairman Institute of Policy Studies
Professor Senator Khurshid Ahmed said that it is not time to blame each
other but to move forward in the current situation of region. He said
that for the better future of this region and Europe strong and
effective relations between Pakistan, Iran and other countries of
Central Asia and Middle East are necessary, adding that in African
countries and Middle East people are moving towards democracy and
Islamic system.
He said that surveys showed that 90% people in the Muslim countries
considers Quran and Sunnah as the source of guidance, adding that wave
of sectarianism is highlighting to stop the change.
He said that Arab-Iran dispute is being fanned but we should try to
understand that who is playing this game behind the scene. He said that
it is necessary for Pakistan and Iran to enhance the cooperation
extensively because new colonialism system is threat for both
countries, which both countries together should face.
Former foreign secretary Tanvir Ahmed Khan said that America has a
large agenda and want to change our society, adding that America is not
happy on the good relations between Pakistan and Iran. He said that
Pakistan is a weak state and both countries should sit together to
understand the motives and aims of America, adding that Pakistan and
Iran needed effective military and political cooperation.
Director General Institute of Policy Studies Khalid Rehman said that
Pakistan and Iran has strong historical relations and Iran always
helped Pakistan in difficult times. He said that on international level
Pakistan and Iran are facing same challenges and need to move together
on domestic and international scenario to provide collectively
leadership to Muslim Ummah. SANA
