Pakistani Leaders Call For Strong Iran Ties

Islamabad, April 18, IRNA – Pakistani political leaders and senior military officials stressed here Wednesday need for strong relationship between Iran and Pakistan. Talking to IRNA on the anniversary of Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran they said that strong Iran-Pakistan relations would benefit the people of the two countries as well as the region. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali-Reza Haqiqian welcomed the guests. National anthems of Iran and Pakistan were played on the occasion and a large cake was also cut to celebrate the Iranian Armed Forces Day. Speaking to IRNA, Caretaker Minister for Railways Abdul Malik Kasi, said that he feels proud on the strong Iran-Pakistan ties. The minister said that he wished that Iran-Pakistan relations could further boost. He said that the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project is the need of Pakistan to overcome its lingering energy crisis. Chief guest on the occasion, Lieutenant General Salim Nawaz, Inspector General Armaments (IGA), General Headquarters, too, said that he is proud of the excellent Iran-Pakistan relationship. Replying to a question posed by IRNA the general said that he is satisfied with the present level of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in defense sector. He also congratulated Iran on the anniversary of Armed Forces Day. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali-Reza Haqiqian talking to IRNA said that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have become the protector of Islamic ideology all over the world. He added that Iran’s armed forces are progressing at a fast pace and have become self sufficient. Iran’s military attaché in Pakistan Colonel Vajihollah Darvishi speaking to IRNA said that anniversary of Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a day to display the power of Iran to the world. He said that Iran’s armed forces would not allow the enemies of Iran to accomplish their evil designs against the Islamic Republic. Speaking to IRNA, the Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Khalid Sarwar called for further enhancing the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. He said that there are lots of opportunities to boost Iran-Pakistan cooperation in various sectors. The official also said that the media of the two countries should play thier roles in bringing the two countries closer to each other. Chief of Awami Muslim League, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that Iran and Pakistan are like two brothers tied in the eternal bond of friendship. “This relationship should be further enhanced,” he said. He was of the view that strong Iran-Pakistan relationship is necessary for the stability and progress of the two countries. Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S) Maulana Samiul Haq talking to IRNA said that Iran and Pakistan are like two brothers. He added that Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the same challenges. He added that the presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan is creating problems for the regional states. He urged Pakistan to come out of the so called war against terrorism. The religious leader praised the progress of Iran in defense sector. A former ambassador, Khalid Mahmood, too, said that Iran and Pakistan have been enjoying strong brotherly ties for past many years. He said that Iran has always helped Pakistan in difficult times. He congratulated Iran on anniversary of Armed Forces. He was of the view that Iran and Pakistan should further enhance their cooperation in defense sector. The analyst added that Iran is fully capable to respond to any kind of military misadventure. Senior Pakistani military officials, military attachés of India, Afghanistan, Romania, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Czech republic, Bulgaria, Turkey, Myanmar, Libya, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Tajikistan and some European countries, as well as Pakistani political and religious leaders attended the celebrations. On the occasion photographs showing Iran’s achievement in defense sector were also displayed./end