Naved Miraj/Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Defence Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain on Friday called for the early completion of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, stating that it will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking at a farewell reception hosted by the outgoing Ambassador of Iran, Ali Hosseini, Senator Mushahid highlighted that he was happy to have institutionalized bilateral relations, particularly in the defence field.
Senator Mushahid also expressed his optimism about the friendship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, terming it a positive development in terms of peace and stability in the region. He further opined that China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan could constitute a force to be reckoned with.
Mushahid Hussain declares sanctions on Iran as unwarranted
Moreover, the Senator declared the sanctions on Iran as unwarranted and praised Iran’s progress in all spheres despite facing severe sanctions. He emphasized that those who impose such sanctions must realize the ground realities.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Ambassador of Iran thanked the attendees for their support during his mission in Pakistan. He praised the great progress and developments witnessed in the various aspects of Iran-Pakistan relations, including political, economic, security, and trade.
Iranian ambassador praises progress in Pak-Iran relations
The ambassador highlighted the unprecedented record of two billion and two hundred million dollars ($2.2 billion) in the amount of trade volume between Iran and Pakistan, despite the lack of banking and financial channels and all-out economic pressures against the two countries.
The opening of two official border crossings after 73 years, the agreement on the construction of six new border markets, the completion of the first phase of the electricity transmission project to Pakistan, and the increase in the amount of electricity export from 100 MW to more than 200 MW were among the achievements made during his mission.
The ambassador stressed the need to prioritize the use of existing capacities and possibilities in the economic field, tourism, and mutual investment between Iran and Pakistan.
He further emphasized that the commonalities and links in the various areas of history, civilization, language, religion, geography, culture, and more should be availed for the betterment of the lives of the people and the development of the indigenous region, which is a homeland to all of us and our next generations.
The call for the early completion of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project and the praise for the progress made in Iran-Pakistan relations highlight the strong ties between the two countries.
These ties provide a foundation for further cooperation in various fields to enhance peace, stability, and economic development in the region.
