A day earlier, Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit had said that the sanctions by United Nations against Iran would not affect Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
In a telephonic talk on PTV, he had said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong ties, adding the newly sanctions against the Iran would also not effect the major gas pipe line project between the two nations. He also said that the Iran's nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue.
The UN Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran on Wednesday over its nuclear programme that the West suspects is aimed at developing atomic weapons. Iran denies any such ambitions.
Pakistan said the much-delayed project for the construction of the gas pipeline from Iran was not covered by the UN curbs.
"This resolution or whatever sanctions or restrictions have been imposed are those related to the nuclear or ballistic missile programme of Iran," Basit told a news briefing.
"As far as our gas pipeline project is concerned, that is purely a commercial agreement and is beyond the purview of this resolution."
The proposed pipeline, which is expected to be completed by 2015, originally would have been extended from Pakistan to India. However, India has been reluctant to join the project.
The United States tried to discourage India and Pakistan from proceeding with the project but Pakistani officials say the proposed pipeline is crucial to avert a growing energy crisis already causing severe electricity shortages in the country. Iranian officials hope to finalise the deal this week.
Basit reiterated Pakistan's call for a "negotiated" settlement of Iran's disputed nuclear programme."We will continue to encourage all parties concerned to re-engage and settle differences in the spirit of cooperation and accommodation," he said.
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