ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed the deal between Iran and P5 +1 struck in Vienna over the former’s nuclear program, terming it “a far reaching development that holds the potential of a game changer in the region”.

“The agreement is a triumph of diplomacy and negotiations over coercion and hostility and is most welcomed," he said.

An Iran cooperating with the world raises prospects and hopes for peace, stability and development in the region, he said.

Also read: Iran nuclear deal: World leaders voice relief

The test now is for all sides to uphold their commitments in letter and spirit, said the former president expressing the hope that they will.

He also called upon the government to seize the moment and translate the dream of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project — which was formally initiated by the former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government — into a reality.

"The nuclear deal opens the doors for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project and thereby resolve our lingering and crippling energy crisis," said Zardari.

"A great lesson of the Iran and P5+1 deal is that given perseverance, patience and commitment, nations can overcome decades of hostility and move towards building structures of peace."

"Dialogue and negotiations and not hostility and animosity are the way forward for peace, stability and development in South Asia," he added.