Pakistan, Iran concerned on rising Islamophobia

 

Pakistan, Iran concerned about rising Islamophobia

Pakistan and Iran expressed concern about the growing trend of Islamophobia around the world amid anger in the Muslim world over the publication of blasphemous cartoons in France and President Emanuel Macron's anti-Islamic comments, The News reported on Thursday.

Both countries, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, also agreed to close coordination to support efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan at a time when militant attacks continue within the country and intra-Afghan negotiations have stalled.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who arrived with his delegation on Tuesday, called Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Chief of the Army General Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa separately.

The statement issued after the meeting of foreign ministers in the federal capital said that opinions were exchanged on the growing Islamophobia in different parts of the world and agreed to undertake efforts to counter this negative trend.

PM Imran for enhancing bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Imran Khan said during the meeting with the Iranian foreign minister that Pakistan and Iran enjoy close and cordial relations, stressing the need to work closely to promote peace, security, and development in the region. He also stressed that the two countries should further strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

The prime minister expressed his condolences for the loss of precious lives in Iran due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing Pakistan's experience, the prime minister said that the "smart shutdown" strategy and other measures taken by his government led to the significant containment of the pandemic in Pakistan.

Highlighting Pakistan's efforts to facilitate peace and stability in Afghanistan, the prime minister said there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.

"Peace in Afghanistan is beneficial for the entire region"

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and hoped that all Afghan parties would seize this historic opportunity to achieve a political settlement.

The prime minister added that peace in Afghanistan would be beneficial for the entire region, as it would create new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, as well as regional connectivity.

Dr. Javad Zarif conveyed the personal greetings and commitment of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to work closely with Prime Minister Imran Khan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.