ISLAMABAD (MNN); President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday underscored the need for easing tensions and promoting peace in the region, cautioning that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilise the Gulf, South Asia and Western Asia.
He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony hosted by the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad to mark the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
President Zardari warned that instability linked to Iran or attempts to resolve disputes through military means would pose serious risks to global peace and the world economy. “The stakes are far too high for confrontation,” he said, stressing that force and unilateral actions could not address complex regional challenges.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, including those imposed on Iran. He said peaceful engagement and sustained dialogue were essential for ensuring regional and global security.
“Pakistan welcomes efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encourages constructive dialogue among all relevant parties to promote peace and stability,” he added.
At the outset of the ceremony, President Zardari requested a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of a recent blast in Islamabad and tragedies in Iran. “Let us pray that wars never come to us,” he said.
Referring to ongoing conflicts, terrorism, foreign interference and unresolved disputes in the region, he emphasized that such issues required diplomatic solutions rather than force.
Highlighting Pakistan-Iran relations, the president said both countries shared responsibilities as neighbours and were committed to cooperation in border management, counterterrorism and transforming their shared frontier into a zone of lawful trade and development.
He noted that Pakistan valued balanced global relations and stood ready to play a constructive role in fostering restraint and dialogue. Extending congratulations to Iran’s leadership and people, he described Pakistan and Iran as “civilisational partners” bound by faith, history and enduring cultural ties.
President Zardari also highlighted the deep influence of Persian language and literature on Pakistan’s intellectual and cultural heritage, noting that Persian had historically served as an official language in parts of the region. He paid tribute to renowned poets including Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi, Ferdowsi, Sachal Sarmast and Allama Iqbal.
In his address, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said Iran had achieved significant progress in technology, defence, science and the economy despite external pressures. He stated that Iran sought peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy but would defend its sovereignty if faced with war. He also appreciated Pakistan’s support, particularly during what he termed Israeli aggression against Iran.
