Pakistani Religious Leader Asks US To Shun Arrogant Behavior

Islamabad, Jan 17, IRNA – Central leader of Pakistan’s top religious party on Monday stressed that US must give up its arrogant behavior for negotiated solution of world issues. Talking to IRNA, Fareed Ahmad Paracha of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) strongly condemned a letter from the US to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Fareed Ahmad Paracha expressing his views said that the US has faced defeats and had to retreat in many areas. The religious leader strongly opposed American attitude in dealing world affairs. He added that Iran is an independent sovereign state and has a right to follow an independent foreign policy. “US is no one to dictate Iran,” he pointed out. The politician was of the view that US is losing grip in the international politics because of its aggressive policies. “Their economy is on the verge collapse,” he said. Fareed Ahmad Paracha said that Iran is developing a peaceful nuclear program and the pressure on Islamic Republic in this regards is unjustified. “Pakistan is brother of Iran and will always support the Iranian stance over its peaceful nuclear program,” he said. The religious leader said that sanctions have failed against Iran as the country is progressing in all fields. “Sanctions are unjust and inhumane act,” said the politician. Fareed Ahmad Paracha also urged all Muslim states to leave their differences and unite for the stability of Ummah. “We should remain alert against western plots”, the JI leader suggested. He warned that the US is behind every plot against Muslim Ummah. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that the US Administration forwarded a letter to Iran through three channels -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, US Ambassador to United Nations Susan Rice and Swiss Ambassador to Iran Livia Leu Agosti. Earlier Obama administration had warned Iran that the closing of the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a US response./end