2024-04-17 16:25:12
Islamabad: Pakistan has shown its eyes to America by openly taking side of Iran. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan is in a position to complete the gas pipeline project with Iran. He also said that all necessary decisions are being taken in this regard. This statement of Pakistan has come when America is angry at Iran for the attack on Israel. US President Joe Biden has also called a G7 meeting to impose more stringent sanctions against Iran. Despite this, Pakistan is ready to receive Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi next week. Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on 22 April.
Pakistan is building 80 km long pipeline
Speaking on Geo News’ Capital Talk program on Monday, Asif said, “We are building a gas pipeline on our side from Gwadar to the Iranian border.” Earlier this month, The News reported that Pakistan has started work to begin construction of an 80 km long section of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline from Gwadar. The development comes amid clear US opposition as well as warnings of possible sanctions. The Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project is already delayed by nearly a decade. It was scheduled to be completed in December 2014 and planned to begin operations in January 2015.
Iranian President Raisi coming to Pakistan on 22 April
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22 amid tension in the Middle East over Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. According to sources, Pakistan and Iran have agreed on matters related to the visit of President Raisi, who will come to Islamabad with a high-level delegation and hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and the military leadership of Rawalpindi. The visit is part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen their cooperation, which suffered a temporary setback earlier this year.
Pakistan-Iran relations are also not normal
Alluding to border tensions between the neighboring countries in January, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told Capital Talk host Hamid Mir that relations between Pakistan and Iran were stable despite the earlier incident. “Progress made on gas pipeline project further strengthening bilateral relations.” In fact, in February, Iran had carried out air strikes targeting terrorist bases on Pakistani soil. In response, Pakistan also carried out air strikes on Iranian soil and killed many civilians by calling them terrorists. After this incident, relations between the two countries deteriorated.
What did Khawaja Asif say on the coalition government
Speaking about other matters, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called the country’s economic stability among the top priorities of the coalition government. Commenting on the political situation, he was of the view that if his party was successful in stabilizing the economy in a few months, the government would not face any political threat. Responding to a question, Asif also said that Pakistan has good relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pakistan said- Iran has the right to retaliate
In the same talk show, the Pakistani Defense Minister condemned the Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. Many senior military officers of Ikan were killed in this attack. Asif clearly said that Iran has the right to retaliate because Israel has attacked the Iranian Consulate in flagrant violation of international laws. He said that after the Israeli attack, Pakistan also expected retaliation from Iran. Expressing his views, he said that the attack on the Iranian Consulate was a result of supporting the Palestinians. Asif said that Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinians.
What did Khawaja Asif say on recognizing Israel?
He expressed apprehension that the increasing tension in the Middle East could impact other countries including Pakistan. Asif said that the flames of war will also engulf those countries which are supporting Israel. Asif urged, “We do not want tensions to escalate, however, the genocide of Palestinians must be stopped.” Asif clarified that Pakistan is not facing any pressure to recognize Israel.