President Asif Ali Zardari called for restraint and dialogue while addressing a reception in Islamabad hosted by the Iranian Embassy to mark Iran’s 47th National Day. He warned that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilise the Gulf, South Asia, and Western Asia, with serious consequences for global peace and the world economy. Emphasising Pakistan’s support for diplomacy, he reiterated Islamabad’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, stressing that regional challenges cannot be resolved through force.
The president described Pakistan and Iran as civilisational partners linked by centuries of shared history, culture, and faith. He highlighted the deep literary and intellectual ties between the two societies, referencing poets such as Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi, Ferdowsi, and Allama Iqbal.
Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam noted Iran’s progress in technology, defence, science, and the economy despite external pressures. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy while emphasising its determination to defend its sovereignty if necessary
