Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday reiterated that Pakistan was ready to act as facilitator between the brotherly Muslim countries Iran and Saudi Arabia to sort out their differences through dialogue. Addressing a joint press stakeout along with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the prime minister said in the past, Pakistan had hosted Saudi Arabia and Iran and again willing to facilitate the brotherly countries to iron out their differences.

"The issue is complex one but it is possible to sort out differences through dialogue," he emphasised. The prime minister also explained that his trip to Iran would be followed with a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday which was solely 'Pakistan's initiative' as they were not asked by anyone to undertake such trip.

He also made it clear that Pakistan's role would be a facilitator and not a mediator.

He stressed that it was imperative for everyone not to allow any conflict to take place in the region as he viewed certain vested interests which wanted to flare up the tensions in the region.

The prime minister terming his consultations with the Iranian president very encouraging, said that he would go to Saudi Arabia with a positive mind.

He said Pakistan had deep rooted bilateral brotherly ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia was Pakistan's closest friend as it had always helped them when they were in need.

So far these reason, he said, nobody wanted a conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The issue was recognized as a complex one, but he felt that it could be resolved through dialogue, he expressed his optimism.

The prime minister said a conflict between the two countries would not just affect the whole region but also affect the developing countries as it would increase poverty in the world as the cost of oil would shoot up and purchase of expensive oil could lead to further spending.

He said all the developing countries had the same point of views, only the vested interests wanted this conflict to take place.

The prime minister further said that during his visit to New York, US President Donald Trump spoke to him and asked him to facilitate dialogue with Iran.

Expressing his resolve, the prime minister assured the Iranian leadership that they would do whatever they could to facilitate US-Iran dialogue, so that the sanctions could be lifted and agreement over the nuclear deal be signed.

Prime Minister Khan who along with his delegation had earlier arrived here on a day-long visit also held wide-ranging consultations with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani.

The prime minister further said in his joint press stakeout that the main reason for his visit was to avert any conflict in this region. Pakistan had suffered from seventy thousand casualties in the war on terror, Afghanistan and Syria were still reeling from the conflicts. "They do not want another conflict in this region," he said.

The prime minister also thanked the government of Iran for supporting people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. About eight million people in IOJ&K had been put under unrelenting curfew for more than two months.

"It is the biggest humanitarian crises unfolding in the region," he added.

The prime minister further said that it was his third meeting with the Iranian president, first in April, second in New York and third but brief one at Bishkek.

About his meeting in Tehran, the prime minister said he discussed bilateral ties, trade and host of other issues of mutual interests and the ways to help each other.

He noted that Pakistan enjoyed strong ties with Iran and they still remembered how Iran stood with Pakistan in 1965 while facing hostilities.

Iranian President Rouhani said Iran and Pakistan were the brotherly and friendly nations enjoying deep strategic relations.

The president said they openly welcomed the good will gesture by Pakistan and ready to assist it in its efforts for peace and stability in the region.

Appreciating the prime minister's initiative, he said his visit would have benefits, adding they discussed a variety of issues significant for the region and the whole globe.

He said they had discussed the recent developments in the Gulf and emphasised on strengthening of peace and stability in the region.

"We also emphasized that good will gesture would be responded with good will gesture and words," he added.

Rouhani noted that emphasis on termination of war in Yemen and humanitarian aid to the people of Yemen would bring peace and stability in the region, adding the issue could be resolved through political dialogue.

The Iranian president also decried the pressing sanctions of US and demanded the US to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, so that it could be implemented.

He also demanded immediate lifting of the US sanctions.

In May last year, president Trump had announced US withdrawal from the JCPOA followed by imposition of sanctions.-APP

Staff report adds: Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Tehran Sunday as part of his initiative to promote peace and security in the Gulf and stated that the current situation in the Gulf requires avoidance of military conflict and constructive engagement of all parties.

He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari and senior officials.

During his meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the historic ties and the tradition of close cooperation between the two countries and reiterated his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse areas, with a particular focus on enhanced trade and economic cooperation.

The prime minister added that close cooperative ties with Iran have always been a priority for Pakistan and expressed gratitude over Iran's support on the Kashmir issue as the lockdown of over 8 million people in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir continues for 68 days.

He apprised President Rouhani of the dire human rights and humanitarian situation created since India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August and the serious risk posed to peace and security in the region.

In the regional context, the prime minister underlined that the current situation in the Gulf requires avoidance of military conflict and constructive engagement of all parties. The prime minister conveyed Pakistan's readiness to extend full facilitation of efforts for de-escalation of tensions and resolution of differences and disputes through political and diplomatic means.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also called on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The prime minister conveyed that the people of Pakistan deeply valued the personal commitment of the Supreme Leader to the cause of Kashmir. The prime pinister reaffirmed his resolve to comprehensively upgrade Pakistan- Iran relations. He also apprised the Supreme Leader of his initiative for regional peace and security.

The prime minister's wide-ranging talks with the Iranian leadership were held in an atmosphere of cordiality and understanding, with the Iranian side appreciating Pakistan's sincere efforts for the preservation of peace and security in the region. The overall exchange of views was constructive and encouraging. Both sides agreed to stay engaged and consult closely to take the process forward.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019