Tazeen Akhtar
The 45th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution & National Day of Islamic Republic of Iran has been celebrated in Islamabad with reiteration of working together for mutual well being and bilateral benefit in all sectors. It was notable event because both countries relations deteriorated to the extreme level and then restored within a week’s time of 7 days only that depicts the unique nature of Iran Pakistan ties.
Feb 2024 will always be the memorable month in the history of relations of both neighbors that are connected in Muslim brotherhood as well and above all complement each other rather than be the rivals.
Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam who experienced the recent turmoil between two countries hosted the reception at Serena Hotels Islamabad. Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani graced the event with his presence as chief guest.
The journalist covering diplomatic events rarely see the FM in the national days celebrations. Therefore presence of FM was enough to conclude that the relations are more than normal now and Pakistan is reciprocating to the Iranian endeavors for better understanding between the two neighbors for the well being of the people at both sides.
Many highly placed military officials from Pakistani side were present at the stage and among the guests in the spacious hall of Sheesh Mehal. It was the symbol of mutual understanding and close relations at military to military level.
Minister Information Murtaza Solangi, Minister Education Madad Ali Sindhi, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori were also present. Another notable presence was of Tahir Ashrafi , a continued Special Representative on religious affairs in two regimes of two opposition parties. Tahir Ashraf is special representative (SAPM) for Inter-Religious Harmony & Assistant to the premier on the affairs of Middle East and Islamic countries. It is the longest status in both terms, period and words, for any non elected official in the government of Pakistan. He succeeded in securing this seat thanks to his close relations with Saudi government.
Here it is worth mentioning that Iran and Saudia developed relations after the reconciliation facilitated by China last year. Pakistanis welcome it for they want to have good relations with both important states of the world and the region as well as OIC.
Iran had differences with Iraq and Azerbaijan as well. Ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E Khazar Farhadov and other officials attended the event. Iraqi representation was also noted. Defence Attache of Iraq was spotted but we could not see the Ambassador or other officials because it was a largely attended celebration. Turkish participation could not be noted.
European presence was also found that was pleasantly astonishing due to long history of rifts in relations with Iran. Ambassador of Norway and diplomats of British High Commission Romania and Italian Embassy were among the western guests in Irani reception. The head of delegation of Red Crescent in Pakistan was also present.
Dean of diplomatic corp , Ambassador Turkmenistan H.E Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador Uzbekistan H.E Aibek Arif Usmanov, Ambassadors and diplomats of Japan, Palestine, Oman, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Indonesia also attended the ceremony.
Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, in his address congratulated the people and the government of Iran on this important anniversary. He emphasized the principles of friendship, cooperation and solidarity that characterize the relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, in his welcome address shed light on the history of the day. He said, the Islamic Revolution of Iran was called the most important event of the 20th century and brought a new discourse to the political literature of the world. Self-confidence, and political, cultural, and economic independence were the gifts of the Islamic Revolution and the main elements of the said discourse.
“Iran has made tremendous scientific, industrial, cultural, medical, and technological achievements, including nanotechnology and fundamental cells, nuclear technology for peaceful uses, and aerospace technology for peaceful uses of outer space, despite the obstacles created by arrogant powers, H.E shared.
Ambassador said, “Iran has pursued the independent foreign policy and the support of the Muslim world, the effects of which can be seen in the all-round support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate struggles of the Palestinians and the Resistance Front against the Zionists Regime to prevent the materialization of its dream for occupying a larger part of the Islamic world.”
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