PESHAWAR: Pakistan and Iran enjoyed deep social, historical and cultural ties, said Agha-i-Zainatee, the consul general of Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar.

He was speaking as guest of honour at a seminar organised by Khana-i-Farhang Peshawar at Imam Khomeinai Hall here on Tuesday to mark the 36th anniversary of Islamic revolution of Iran.

He said that the Islamic revolution brought economic prosperity to the people of Iran under the dynamic leadership of Imam Khomeini. The revolution, he said, enriched Iranian culture and purged its society.

“I hope that ties between Pakistan and Iran become stronger and deeper to pave way for peace and stability in the region. The Islamic revolution revived original culture of Iran based on humanism and mutual harmony,” Mr Zainatee said.

Jamaat-i- Islami provincial chief Prof Ibrahim, who was chief guest at the event, said that relations between Pakistan and Iran were good but not exemplary. He said that Iranian revolution was against oppression, aggression and injustice. He said that Iran stood against the supremacy of the US and Imam Khomeini gave a new vision to the Muslims to unite to grab their rights.

Earnest Jacob Bishop of Orthodox Church of Pakistan in his speech said that it was for the first time that members of Christian community were invited to participate in the celebrations of Islamic revolution. “I am pleased to say Christian community enjoys freedom and rights in Iran. This shows the farsightedness of Imam Khomeini, who inspired interfaith harmony,” he said.

JI leader says ties between the two countries good but not exemplary

Ali Yousafi, director general of Khana-i- Farhang, said that Islamic revolution under Imam Khomeini’s leadership on February 11, 1979 was regarded as one of the most significant events of the contemporary era.

The international community, he said, had witnessed emergence of the most influential personality in 1970’s. “Imam Khomeini appeared in Iran, but he always addressed the whole Muslim world and for this reason, he dealt with religion as a global issue. The Islamic revolution also intended to enhance people’s power,” he added.

Mr Yousafi said that the Islamic revolution wanted to relieve Iranians from the undesired state to an acceptable situation by employing changes in key faculties and institutions.

He said that in the eyes of Imam Khomeini the reason for struggle against the Shah regime was due to his wrong anti-Islamic agenda, lack of legitimacy and unpopularity among public. He said that Imam had insisted that the Iranian nation had joined the Islamic movement not only to form an Islamic setup in Iran, but also to have an access to freedom and democratic government.

Mr Yousafi said that father of Islamic revolution of Iran wanted unity of the Muslim world and sought justice and independence for his people from imperial powers.

Mr Yousafi said that Imam Khomeini revived the political Islam and called it as a pure Mohammadan Islam by creating harmony between politics and religion and brought Islam back in the heart of society.

Earlier, a documentary was shown to the audience on the economic progress of Iran after the victory of Islamic revolution in 1979. Books and pictorial exhibitions were also part of the seminar. The books and photographs showcased journey of Islamic revolution of Iran under the leadership of Imam Khomeini. Maulana Shoaib, head of Alami Mutahidda Ulama Mashiakh Council, Dr Irshad Shakir Awan, Allama Jawad Hadi, Abaseen Yousafzai and Allama Ramzan Tauqir also addressed the seminar.

Published in Dawn February 11th , 2015

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