The event featured prominent figures, including Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed; former Ambassador Johar Saleem; and a diverse audience of educators and students monitoring regional developments.
In his welcome address, former Pakistani diplomat Johar Saleem highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, noting that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan, while Pakistan was the first to acknowledge Iran's Islamic Revolution. He described the visit of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan as particularly successful, asserting that fulfilling the agreements made during that visit would open new avenues for development for both countries.
Ambassador Moghaddam emphasized the enduring nature of the brotherly relationship between Iran and Pakistan, stating that it has remained unchanged despite various challenges. He pointed out that both nations share a common stance regarding the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime and the genocide of Palestinians, with Pakistan consistently supporting Iran's position. The ambassador underscored the importance of enhancing trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries, citing the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train project as a pivotal initiative for regional development.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who reported on the Islamic Revolution of Iran as a journalist at that time, reflected on historical ties, noting that if not for British interference in the subcontinent, Persian might have remained a prevalent language in Pakistan. He remarked that both Iran and Pakistan are currently grappling with U.S. sanctions but praised Iran's resilience in continuing its development journey despite these restrictions.
In an interview with Iran Press, Ambassador Moghaddam stated that high-level meetings between Iranian and Pakistani officials have recently taken place, focusing on promoting bilateral relations.
He expressed a desire to strengthen economic and trade ties, aiming to increase trade from $3 million to $10 million.
Dr. Qandeel Abbas, Dean of the International Relations Department at Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, noted that Pakistan and Iran enjoy permanent friendly relations due to their shared Muslim identity and lack of direct conflict. However, he acknowledged that political hurdles such as international sanctions and Pakistan's relations with Arab countries pose challenges to their mutual relationships.
Syed Faraz Naqvi, head of the Iran Desk at the Institute of Regional Studies, remarked that while relations between Pakistan and Iran are strengthening, sanctions limit energy imports. He suggested exploring alternative mechanisms like barter trade systems and border markets. From a geopolitical perspective, Naqvi pointed out that both countries share similar views on issues concerning Gaza and Afghanistan, as they face comparable threats.
At the conclusion of the conference, honorary shields and souvenirs were presented to Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam and other distinguished guests in recognition of their contributions to fostering dialogue and collaboration between Iran and Pakistan.
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