National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
first visit to Pakistan is a landmark development which reflects
vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in realm of foreign policy.
Talking to Radio Pakistan, former secretary petroleum Dr.
Gulfaraz said that Iran has the second largest reserves of natural
gas in the world.
He said the visit of Iranian President and the signing of
MOUs hold immense importance. Being Muslim countries, giving
practical shape to these MOUs and agreements are in the wider
interests of Pakistan and Iran, he added.
Pakistan’s success mainly lies in importing gas from
Iran, he added.
Economist Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said Iranian President’s
visit and the MOUs are like a landmark.
He said “Iran wants to enhance its financial relations with
Pakistan.” “Iran is full of potential and we should exploit it
as much as possible,” he added.
Expert in international relations Dr. Pervez Iqbal Cheema
said Iran is an important neighbouring country as it shares
a long border line with Pakistan.
He said Pakistan had good relations before the sanctions
imposed by international community against Iran.
Former Ambassador Arif Kamal said Iran is an important
regional power and it is a natural resource rich country in
terms of oil and gas.
He said Iran is now free from international sanctions
and it will help both countries to enhance bilateral ties.
Former ambassador Shahid Amin said the visit holds
immense importance for Pakistan as Hassan Rouhani selected
Pakistan for his visit after lifting of sanctions.
He said the gas agreement between the two countries
will come into force in the near future now as Iran has
rejoined world economy. The gas agreement will benefit
both Iran and Pakistan in terms of sale of gas and
overcoming needs of energy respectively, he added.