Nawaz Sharif with Iranian Ambassador Alireza Haghiaghan in April 2013. PHOTO: PPI/FILE
Nawaz's trip to Iran, if confirmed, would come at a time when ties between the two countries have suffered. A multi-billion dollar pipeline remains stalled with Iran questioning Pakistan's sincerity towards the project in recent weeks.
Ties further plummeted in February when five Iranian border guards were abducted by militants and allegedly taken into Pakistan. Iran had then threatened to send its forces across the border into Balochistan in a bid to recover the soldiers, blaming Pakistan for sluggish action.
Aziz added that the country has received $1.5 billion ‘as a gift’ from Saudi Arabia. He explained that the money is ‘unconditional aid’ dispelling talks of strings attached.
Bringing illegal Pakistanis back
Previously, Aziz informed the committee that the government is negotiating with Saudi authorities for the return of Pakistanis who were illegally staying in Saudi Arabia.
He said that they are currently such Pakistanis have been detained in deportation centers. He added that so far, 3,448 emergency passports have been issued for the return of these people.
An agreement has also been signed with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to facilitate the return of the detainees.
COMMENTS (10)
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@but why: yes during zardari's rule ahmedinijad visited
Nawaz Sharif's policies will bear it fruit in the future.
Currently we need to increase tax revenue by 50% a year for 2-3 years if we want to succeed. It is definantly practical because only 1% of the population pays tax. We need to make the rich pay and impose an agriculture tax, a 20% increase just isn't enough.
Can he also tell Iranians to stop interfering in Pakistan.
He needs to give that message to the Saudis also..
Nawaz Sharif is playing some real dirty game. Whoever wins, Pakistanis lose.
Has any Irani leader visited Pakistan?