Pakistan calls for regular consultation with Iran on regional issues

Chairman of foreign affairs committee in Pakistani Senate on Monday suggested frequent ministerial level visits between Iran and Pakistan to share views on key regional and bilateral issues. Talking to IRNA Senator Salim Saifullah Khan said that peace cannot be restored in Afghanistan without taking Iran and Pakistan on board. He was of the view that Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are like three parts of one country. The politician added that three neighbors should further enhance their cooperation in every field and boost trilateral relationship. “Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan must work together for stability of the region,” the political leader said. Expressing his views the politician said Iran and Pakistan are well-wishers of Afghanistan. Salim Saifullah Khan said that Iran for the past 32 years has been resisting western pressure. “We salute the struggle of Iran.” He said that Iran has become a role model for other Muslin countries that has been progressing in every field. The Senator described sanctions against Iran as futile exercise having no impact on Iran’s economic development. The politician added that Iran and Pakistan have been enjoying strong brotherly relations for many years adding that bilateral ties are improving day by day. “Pakistan share a long border, common history, common culture and common religion and those are all things which tie the two countries together,” he viewed. Standing Committee chairman expressing his views said that both countries should further boost their relationship and both countries should focus on the issue of Balochistan in their talks. Salim Saifullah Khan added that some foreign elements are trying to create misunderstanding between Iran and Pakistan. “We must remain vigilant against those elements which are trying to disturb our brotherly relations with Iran,” he added. The Senator said that the visits of Iranian Foreign and Interior Minister of Pakistan had paved the way for further enhancing Iran-Pakistan relations. “I think every month one Pakistani minister should visit Iran and one Iranian minister should visit Pakistan,” he suggested. Salim Saifullah Khan said that Pakistan and Iran should cooperate to build better road, rail and railways links. He said that there are lots of opportunities which will cement political, diplomatic and economic ties of the two countries.