Iran calls for unity to thwart designs of anti-Muslim forces

CG says besides Karachi-Tehran, other flights will soon start between two countries

KARACHI:

Hassan Nourian, the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Sunday said that Imam Khomeini's wish was that the Muslims of the world stand on their feet and be free to make their own decisions.

Comparing the present to the past, he said that unity is more needed than before because the anti-Muslim forces are more active today than in the past. A few years ago, the United States stated that it would not allow Iran to see the fourth decade of the Islamic Revolution, but Iran is now celebrating the 43rd year of the revolution of Iran.

Nourian was speaking at a dinner hosted by the Iran Consulate General on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Iranian Revolution in honour of the dignitaries. Apart from other religious and political organisations, journalists, lawyers, and important personalities participated in the event as well. The consul general said that in preserving the revolution of 1979, more than 300,000 men, women and children lost their lives and a large number of people were injured in the eight years of war and 17,000 people were martyred in the fight against terrorism.

He said that the revolution in Iran was very different from the Russian and France revolutions because this revolution was based upon Islam. “Anti-Islamic forces are trying to spread separatism in the Muslim countries at present and it is necessary to be wary of this,” he said. “Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly and friendly countries.”

He said the visit of Pakistani President Arif Ali and Prime Minister Imran Khan to Iran has further strengthened the ties between the two countries. Furthermore, efforts are being made to further increase economic, social, political, and trade activities.

Also from 1947 to 2021, there was just one border between Pakistan and Iran at Taftan-Mirjava and now two more borders have been opened at the Ramadan-Gaped and Pishi-Mand, he said, adding that air service to Iran is also being increased and now besides Karachi-Tehran flights, other flights will soon start between the two countries.

Media and scholars can play an important role in strengthening the relations between the two countries. The CG said that President Alvi has invited the president of Iran to visit Pakistan which he has accepted and hopefully will visit Pakistan.

He said that four decades have passed and People still remember the day of the revolution and the Iranian people celebrate this event with enthusiasm on February 11 every year. The CG thanked the audience for attending the event.