President links global peace to Iran stability

Warns against use of military force to solve N-issue

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed the efforts aimed at easing tension and promoting regional peace, warning that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilise the Gulf region, South Asia and Western Asia.

"Any instability involving Iran, or any attempt to resolve issues through military means, carries grave risks. Such actions could …, undermine global peace, and cause serious harm to the global economy. The stakes are far too high for confrontation," the president said while speaking at a reception hosted by the embassy of Iran to celebrate 47th anniversary of Iran's National Day.

He said Pakistan opposed unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, including against Iran, and believed that peaceful engagement best served regional and global security.

"Pakistan welcomes efforts aimed at easing tensions and encourages continued dialogue among relevant parties in a constructive spirit, with the objective of promoting peace and stability in the region," he added.

Earlier, the president requested the participants to observe one minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent blast in Islamabad, and the tragedies in Iran. "Let's pray that wars never come to us," the president prayed.

Referring to the ongoing conflicts, terrorism, external interference and unresolved regional flashpoints in the region, the president said Pakistan firmly believed that such challenges could not be addressed through force or unilateral actions.

President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan and Iran shared responsibilities as neighbouring countries and remained committed to cooperation on border management, counter-terrorism, and turning the shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade and development. He said Pakistan valued balanced relations globally and remained ready to play a constructive role in promoting restraint, dialogue and regional peace. The president extended his warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Iran. "May our partnership continue to grow, and may our region move towards security, stability and shared prosperity," he prayed.