ISLAMABAD, JUL 11 (DNA) — Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has urged the Iranian government to extend special attention to Pakistani pilgrims, particularly those traveling from Dera Ismail Khan, and help resolve challenges faced at the Pakistan-Iran border.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, hosted a dinner in honour of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Former Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and central Secretary Information of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Nadeem Afzal Chan, also accompanied the Governor on the occasion.
During the gathering, the two leaders discussed the exemplary friendship between Pakistan and Iran, highlighting the deep-rooted religious reverence and mutual respect shared by the people of both nations. They also explored potential avenues for future cooperation in trade, development, and regional prosperity.
Governor Kundi appreciated Iran’s unwavering support for Pakistan during times of conflict, particularly during the Pak-India wars, underscoring Iran’s steadfast commitment to the friendship. He mentioned that Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Field Marshal were visiting countries that stood by Pakistan during critical times, as a gesture of gratitude.
The Governor raised the issue of the difficulties faced by Pakistani pilgrims, especially those from Dera Ismail Khan, during their journey to Iran and Iraq. He said that Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had assured him of full cooperation in addressing these issues at the Pakistani border in Balochistan, and expressed hope that the Iranian government would also extend special attention to the needs of the pilgrims.
He also appreciated the humanitarian efforts of the Iranian Red Crescent in supporting internally displaced persons from Kurram and lauded the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in restoring peace in the region. Governor Kundi briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s serious efforts, especially at the federal level, to ensure peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through intelligence-based operations.
Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam thanked the Governor for attending the dinner and praised Pakistan’s support during Iran’s recent conflicts as a sign of Muslim unity and brotherhood. He reaffirmed that the Iran-Pakistan relationship is rooted in a shared culture, faith, and unbreakable bond of love.
On the issue of pilgrims, he stated that Iran views serving them as a divine duty and is committed to ensuring their welfare. He also revealed that the Interior Ministers of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq would hold a joint meeting in Mashhad to address pilgrims’ concerns, especially for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage. He noted that the decision to allow Pakistani pilgrims to use their own buses had already eased a significant logistical hurdle.
The ambassador highlighted the vast potential for business cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the need for serious focus on enhancing bilateral trade. The meeting also included discussions on exchange of delegations. Nadeem Afzal Chan proposed academic, religious, and media exchanges, which the ambassador welcomed as essential for promoting peace and unity.
He further said the long-standing relationship between Iran and the PPP, expressing optimism that both countries would draw even closer on defence, trade, and governance in the future, benefiting the entire region.On this occasion, Governor Kundi presented a bouquet to the Iranian Ambassador, who in turn presented the Governor with a commemorative shield. — DNA
