MP Terms Ahmadinejad’s Pakistan Visit, Highly Significant

Islamabad, Nov 27, IRNA -- A Pakistani parliamentarian said here Monday recent visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Pakistan has opened new avenues of bilateral cooperation. Talking to IRNA Senator Col (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) said that the Iranian President was the most honorable guest in the D-8 conference. “He stays in the hearts of all Pakistani people,” the sanator added. He said that no Muslim leader, except President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has represented the sentiments of Ummah at the international level. Senator Mashahid said that the Iranian President has raised the position of Muslims in the world community. “No doubt he is the true leader of Muslims,” said Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi. He added that it would be correct to say that Pakistan is the second home of President Ahmadinejad. “People of Pakistan respect the Iranian President from their hearts,” noted the politician. The lawmaker said that meeting between President Ahmadinejad and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari would further pave the way for enhancing bilateral ties. “We need to enhance mutual cooperation in many areas,” he viewed. The political leader mentioned that Iran and Pakistan have a long history of cordial and friendly relations and the history of Pak–Iran relations goes back to the earliest days of Pakistan’s independence. “Iran was the first country that accorded official recognition to the independence of Pakistan in August 1947,” he said. Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi added that the two neighboring Muslim countries share strong historical cultural link. He said that steadfastness of the Iranian President is appreciated by the Pakistani people. The MP strongly believed that the visit of Iranian president would lead to the early completion of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. He said that Pakistan and Iran should also enhance their cooperation in power sector. “This is exactly what Pakistani people think,” the legislator pointed out. “We must continue with our agreements with Iran despite international pressure, our enemies don’t want to see a prosperous Pakistan,” said the politician. Expressing his views the Parliamentarian said that speech of Iranian President at D-8 summit was highly appreciated across Pakistan. “It was a daring speech,” said the Senator. Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said that Iranians are not only our neighbors but our friends. “President Ahmadinejad is our hero,” he said. He went on to say that the D-8 summit would be a major step forward towards the economic uplift of the D-8 member states. “We must come out of the umbrella of western powers,” he stressed. The politician said that the D-8 countries should cooperate with each other in all sectors. The political leader was of the view that the D-8 states should follow mutual agreed economic and trade policies. He said that everywhere in the world the new unions are formed so the D-8 group should be made more effective to counter the challenges to the developing countries. “We must explore our potential to the maximum level,” he noted./end