ISLAMABAD : The Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam has said his country is currently undertaking a comprehensive economic reform aimed at restructuring and targeting subsidies in order to enhance public welfare and ensure social justice. As with any major economic adjustment, this process has resulted in price increases, prompting lawful and peaceful protests by certain shopkeepers and business communities, protests which have been recognized as legitimate by the Iranian government.
“However, in these circumstances, a number of rioters and individuals affiliated with foreign-backed and hostile elements have sought to exploit these peaceful demonstrations. By engaging in acts of violence, vandalism, arson, and attacks on residential neighborhoods, markets, and government institutions, they have deliberately attempted to divert the genuine and lawful demands of the people toward chaos and insecurity.”
Ambassador expressed his view in a statement issued in Islamabad where a large section of electronic media has been seen highlighting the protests in Iran out of their actual proportion. Dr Moghaddam, in his statement, dispelled the impression created by the coverage of the protests and explained the factors that gave rise to the situation.
Ambassador said , “At the same time, the overt support expressed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime for these rioters and elements linked to terrorist groups stands in clear contradiction to international law, the principles of state sovereignty, and universally accepted norms of non-interference.”
“It must be emphasized that the overwhelming majority of the Iranian people firmly support their state, national unity, and the security forces of their country. The Iranian nation has faced similar challenges repeatedly throughout its long history and has consistently emerged from them with dignity, resilience, and pride, Dr Moghaddam added.
He shed light on the history of hostility and subversive actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and shared, such measures from the enemy began in the earliest days following the victory of the Islamic Revolution and continue to this day.
These include the failed hostage rescue operation in Tabas; the creation and support of terrorist groups; street assassinations of civilians; the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Party headquarters; the explosion at the Prime Minister’s Office resulting in the martyrdom of the President and Prime Minister; the martyrdom of more than 17,000 citizens from all walks of life; the eight-year imposed war instigated by Saddam Hussein resulting in approximately 300,000 martyrs; and the downing of a civilian passenger aircraft carrying hundreds of innocent men, women, and children.
Dr Moghaddam said, These crimes constitute part of the extensive record of hostility and repeated failure of Iran’s enemies. Today, the United States finds itself in one of the most provocative and irrational periods of its contemporary history, having turned its back on fundamental human, moral, and legal values.
“Iran is a nation of ancient civilization and proud heritage. The international community should be fully aware that, by the Grace of Almighty God, under the wise leadership of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with the steadfast support of the Iranian people and the firm resolve of the country’s security forces, this latest conspiracy, like all previous ones, will be defeated, and the Islamic Revolution will continue its principled and independent path, Ambassador concluded.
