Pakistani PM To Visit Iran Soon : Adviser

Islamabad, March 18, IRNA – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will soon visit Iran, security adviser has announced. Prime Ministerˈs Advisor for Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz told the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee that the two countries will decide dates for the visit. Regarding Pakistanˈs ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran‚ the advisor said Pakistan needs to maintain a balance in its ties with both countries. Sartaj Aziz said Saudi Arabia had gifted dlrs 1.5 billion to Pakistan and added that the country would not send arms to Syria or to any other country undergoing a civil war. Aziz said the donation of 1.5 billion dollars by Saudi Arabia was a “gift for the people of Pakistan which was deposited in the Friends of Pakistan fund. He said Pakistan would not send weapons to Syria or to any other country going through civil unrest. He noted that the Saudi grant is unconditional and Islamabad is not supposed to give anything to the kingdom in return. Aziz also confirmed the purchase of weapons by Saudi Arabia, however, he added that the kingdom would not use these weapons against any other state. Earlier‚ Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry informed the committee that Pakistan is negotiating with Saudi authorities for return of Pakistanis illegally staying in the Kingdom. These Pakistanis have been detained in Saudi deportation centers, he said, adding that Pakistani missions in Saudi Arabia have so far issued 3‚448 emergency passports for the return of illegal Pakistanis. He reiterated that an agreement has been signed with Pakistan International Airlines to facilitate return of Pakistanis from Saudi Arabia./end