Pakistan fighting war on terror to maintain regional peace: Zardari

Pakistan President, Asif Ali Zardari

“We are fighting the war against extremism and terrorism not only to maintain peace in Pakistan but also for peace and safety in the region and even the world,”

ISLAMABAD, Jul 8: Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Mehdi Akhundzadeh Wednesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries.Talking to the Deputy Foreign Minster, the President said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iran and wants to further strengthen the bilateral ties to the mutual interest.

Those who attended the meeting included Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Secretary General to the President Salman Faruqui, advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr.  Asim Hussain, Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and senior officials of relevant ministries. Aseefa Zardari Bhutto also attended the meeting on special invitation.The President said Pakistan stands for peace in the region.

“We  are fighting the war against extremism and terrorism not only to maintain peace in Pakistan but also for peace and safety in the region and even the world,” the President said .

He said terrorists if not eliminated, can pose serious threats to the world peace.

Referring to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline agreement, the President said the agreement would further boost relations between the two countries.

The two sides expressed satisfaction on the current level of cooperation between Pakistan and Iran and urged for further enhancing the trade and commercial ties between the two countries.

The President emphasized the need for further increasing trade between the two countries and said the railway line be upgraded for this purpose.

The wife of the Iranian diplomat Hashmatullah Atharzadeh, who was kidnapped by militants sometime back in Peshawar, also called on the President briefly.

The President assured the family of the kidnapped diplomat that the government was doing everything possible to recover Hashmatullah Atharzadeh safely.

The wife of the Iranian diplomat thanked the President for the efforts the government was making to secure the release of her husband from the kidnappers.  (APP)