Ijaz Kakakhel
Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Thursday said that Pakistan Iran bilateral relations are rooted in historical linkages and based on religious, linguistic, cultural similarities and spiritual affiliation.
He expressed these views in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister HE Hossein Amir Abdollahian here at Parliament House today. He further said that Iran was the first country to acknowledge Pakistan’s sovereignty and to support our membership in the United Nations. “I view this as a solid foundation upon which we have built close bilateral ties that we continue to nature”, Chairman Senate observed.
He observed that Parliamentary ties between Pakistan and Iran have also grown stronger over the years, with multiple bilateral visits and cooperation at international forums such as the IPU and the APA. He called for building on the parliamentary relationship through the Senate of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Friendship Group with Iran.
Sanjrani remarked that people to people ties between Pakistan and Iran have been fostered over generations, based on shared linguistic, religious and cultural ties. “These relations can be further enhanced through programs and initiatives encouraging cultural exchanges, tourism and understanding across areas of mutual interest”, he added. Trade relations between our two countries have been key to our economic cooperation and there is scope for further facilitating this, including improved border trade practices, which could be a viable option for improving our economic ties.
The recent inauguration of a first border market in Pashin, Balochjistan is an admirable step in this direction. Both sides also exchanged views on the possibility of six more trade points to boost trade cooperation. He appreciated Iranian support on the Kashmir issue. Chairman Senate highlighted the importance of religious tourism between the two countries and emphasized to further enhance religious tourism, fostering closer ties and mutual respect among our citizens.
