- President Zardari says any military move involving Tehran could destabilise Gulf, South and West Asia with far-reaching global consequences
- Addresses Iran National Day reception in Islamabad, saying Pakistan opposes unilateral sanctions, backs peaceful engagement and diplomacy
- Iranian envoy says Tehran seeks peace but will defend sovereignty if war is imposed
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed efforts aimed at easing tensions and promoting regional peace, warning that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilise the Gulf region, South Asia, and Western Asia, with far-reaching global consequences.
“Any instability involving Iran, or any attempt to resolve issues through military means, carries grave risks. Such actions could escalate conflicts, undermine global peace, and cause serious harm to the world economy. The stakes are far too high for confrontation,” the president said while addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of Iran to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day.
President Asif Ali Zardari, at a reception marking the 47th Anniversary of the Victory of Islamic Revolution & Iran’s National Day, reaffirmed brotherly ties rooted in shared faith & history & reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace & security. pic.twitter.com/ZaZJQ4Z4yR
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 11, 2026
He reiterated that Pakistan opposed unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, including those imposed on Iran, and firmly believed that peaceful engagement and dialogue best served regional and global security.
“Pakistan welcomes efforts aimed at easing tensions and encourages continued dialogue among all relevant parties in a constructive spirit, with the objective of promoting peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Earlier, President Zardari asked participants to observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent blast in Islamabad as well as those who lost their lives in tragic incidents in Iran. “Let us pray that wars never come to us,” the president said.
Referring to ongoing conflicts, terrorism, external interference, and unresolved regional flashpoints, the president said Pakistan firmly believed that such challenges could not be resolved through force or unilateral actions.
President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan and Iran, as neighbouring countries, shared important responsibilities and remained committed to cooperation in areas such as border management, counter-terrorism, and transforming the shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade, and development.
He said Pakistan valued balanced relations across the world and remained ready to play a constructive role in promoting restraint, dialogue, and regional peace.
Extending warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Iran, the president said, “May our partnership continue to grow, and may our region move toward security, stability, and shared prosperity.”
He said Pakistan and Iran were not only neighbours but also civilisational partners, noting that their shared border reflected centuries of interaction, coexistence, and mutual respect. “Our relationship is rooted in faith, history, and enduring cultural bonds that continue to shape our region,” he said.
Highlighting cultural ties, President Zardari said the Persian (Farsi) language and its rich literary tradition had profoundly influenced Pakistan’s intellectual and cultural life. For centuries, he noted, Farsi served as the official language of large parts of the regions that now form Pakistan.
“Its influence remains deeply embedded in our national consciousness. Pakistan’s national anthem itself reflects the deep imprint of the Persian language on our collective identity,” he added.
He recalled that long before Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan’s renowned Haft Zaban poet Sachal Sarmast, the celebrated 18th-century poet of Sindh, composed profound poetry in Farsi, reflecting a shared spiritual and philosophical space.
President Zardari said poets and thinkers such as Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi, and Ferdowsi were widely revered in Pakistan, while Iqbal—who wrote much of his work in Farsi—remained a shared symbol of dignity, awakening, and renewal for both societies.
‘Iran despite facing external pressures and challenges, made notable progress in key sectors’
In his welcome address, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam said that despite facing external pressures and challenges, Iran had made notable progress in key sectors, including technology, defence, science, and the economy.
He said the Iranian nation had consistently demonstrated resilience and self-reliance, turning challenges into opportunities while continuing its development journey with determination.
The ambassador reiterated that Iran did not seek war and believed in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. However, he said that if war were imposed, Iran would respond fully in defence of its sovereignty.
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Iran, he said multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed across various sectors. He also expressed appreciation to the government and people of Pakistan for their support, particularly during Israeli aggression against Iran.
President conveys felicitations to Iranian leadership on 47th anniversary of Islamic Revolution
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conveyed his warm felicitations to Leader of the Islamic Revolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and to the people of Iran on the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, according to a press release issued by the President’s Office.
In his letter, the president said that Pakistan and Iran share a relationship deeply rooted in common history, language, culture and geography, which has grown stronger and more vibrant over the years, a Presidency’s news release said.
He expressed confidence that this spirit of brotherhood would continue to flourish in the years ahead, contributing to prosperity, stability and harmony for both countries and the wider region.
The president also extended his best wishes for the good health and well-being of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and offered prayers for peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
