Javad Zarif calls on prime minister, army chief

Mateen Haider Published April 9, 2015

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, during a two-day visit to Pakistan, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at Prime Minister House.

PM Nawaz and Zarif discussed the situation in the Middle East with regards to the Yemen conflict.

Talking to Zarif, Nawaz Sharif called for an urgent resolution of the crisis in Yemen through diplomacy and dialogue. The prime minister also apprised the visiting foreign minister about his talks with Turkish leaders.

Nawaz expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in Yemen, which he said, is so grave that it may endanger fellow Muslim countries. Beside the loss of innocent lives, the crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world, he said.

The premier stated that Iran is a brotherly nation and an important neighbour with which the government and people of Pakistan desire friendly and cooperative ties.

Talks between Muslim countries and their will to resolve the crisis through peaceful means was also noted with satisfaction. The Iranian foreign minister also shared proposals with Nawaz to help implement a ceasefire in Yemen.

Referring to the debate in the joint session of the Parliament, Nawaz stated that the people of Pakistan held Saudi Arabia in high esteem and would stand shoulder to shoulder with them if their territorial integrity is violated.

Bilateral ties, the situation in Afghanistan, and issues of mutual concern were also a topic of conversation.

Read: Iran's FM backs political solution to Yemen crisis

Separately, the Iranian FM also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi today.

The focus of the discussion with Gen Raheel remained on regional security, including the evolving situation in the Middle East, Pak-Iran border management, and defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the unity and integrity of the Muslim world and greater harmony among the Muslims was emphasised. The Iranian foreign minister appreciated the progress made regarding Operation Zarb-i Azb, and noted Pakistan’s sacrifices in bringing peace and stability in the region.

Upon his arrival at GHQ, the foreign minister was presented with the Guard of Honour. He laid floral wreaths at Yadgar-e- Shuhada and offered prayers for Pakistan.

Zarif arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday amid heightened regional diplomacy over Yemen. Soon after arrival, Zarif met Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and shared details of the Iran-Turkey talks held in Tehran yesterday.

Pakistan

Collision between passenger bus, truck near Pakpattan claims 11 lives

Fresh polio case from KP’s Khyber district takes nationwide tally for 2026 to 9

CDF visits SSG headquarters, stresses operational readiness for tackling security threats: ISPR

KHALID SOHAIL SHAIKH

Apr 09, 2015 11:15am

Leaders of MUSLIM UMMAH are trying best to solve the disputes and problems of Muslim countries. Muslims of are worried and avoid the sectarian wars, which will be a reason to kill each other in future. Every reason is valid but not sectarian war.

Recommend 0

Sonny Afridi

Apr 09, 2015 11:23am

Pakistan and Turkiye should work to bring Saudi and Iranian brothers together. We are Muslims we worship same God follow same Holy Book teachings - we should all be cooperating. The real conflict should be Palestine - not these other silly proxy games.

Recommend 0

Shivan

Apr 09, 2015 12:12pm

Pakistan finds itself in "damned if we do, damned if we dont" predicament vis-a-vis the Saudis' call for joining the military front against Yemeni rebels. I think Pakistan should reminisce about its involvement in the Afghan crisis and draw appropriate lessons. Any attempt to join the Saudi coalition means not only more trouble on the Western border but also unnecessary taking of sides in the Arab world, although rejecting the Saudi request could mean tightening of the Sheikdom's purse strings when it comes to aid to Pakistan. PM Nawaz Sharief has a steady head on his shoulders and he is expected to respectfully reject the Saudi request considering that the internal troubles faced by Pakistan demand that Pakistan should set its own house in order

Recommend 0

Ghazanfar

Apr 09, 2015 12:28pm

Pakistan-Iran-Turky should move forward to resolve this crisis to avoid further damage.

Recommend 0

Zak

Apr 09, 2015 12:37pm

Iran has realized only Pakistan can bring an end to this conflict being only Hyper Power in the world, hence this high level visit.

Recommend 0

Patriot

Apr 09, 2015 12:41pm

Iran and Saudi Arabia are the principal promoters of Shia-Sunni divide in the world of Islam. What justification do they have to subvert Islam from within like this? And how on earth do we blame Israel and India for not taking advantage of this.

Recommend 0

M. Asghar

Apr 09, 2015 12:43pm

This the moment for Turkey, Pakistan and Iran to show that they can mediate and solve effectively the Yemeni civil conflict away from the outside sinister interests that want to create there another Afghanistan.

Recommend 0

Narendra

Apr 09, 2015 01:31pm

It is a real pleaser to see, now pakistan is becoming leading islamic nation in modern world.

Recommend 0

Aaqil

Apr 09, 2015 01:52pm

Hope good and full attention will be paid to the proposals put forward by the visiting Iranian FM and also that Iran's concerns are also attended to by both our PM saheb and also by the COAS.

Recommend 0

Haider Rehman

Apr 09, 2015 02:02pm

I hope sense prevails

Recommend 0

afzaal

Apr 09, 2015 02:05pm

to solve the currently evolving crisis in yamen, the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mr. Zarif is appreciated but still congruent among Muslims countries in the matter is urgent required to salved the matter

Recommend 0

umer

Apr 09, 2015 02:08pm

Welcome visit. Finally sensible Muslim countries are trying to resolve issues like civilized nations. I don't know when Saudis will also start make sense their affairs.

Recommend 0

N SF CA USA

Apr 09, 2015 02:30pm

He must not be seen by anyone in the government,every thing happened in the middle east is their cause.

Recommend 0

Shoaib Lahore

Apr 09, 2015 03:24pm

cease fire is a must. Alsi Houtis should withdraw from Eden.

Recommend 0

Mehtab

Apr 09, 2015 03:34pm

Good gesture

Recommend 0

Asif

Apr 09, 2015 04:21pm

Good steps from Iran's FM , All Muslim countries should discussed each other being a Muslim about Yemen conflicts and resolve it by peace environment .

Recommend 0

ilias

Apr 09, 2015 04:45pm

A perfect time for Pakistan to take this opportunity to lead all Islamic countries struggling to resolve this one more crazy issue in Yemen, as many of Muslim nations are not taking any lesson through the historic middle east springs.

Recommend 0

Kabeer

Apr 09, 2015 05:19pm

Pakistan, Turkey and Iran should revive the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD)

Recommend 0

Syed Zafar Kazmi

Apr 09, 2015 06:59pm

@Patriot A point to clearly recognize here is that it is Saudi Arabia & not Iran who has violated the territorial integrity of a brotherly Muslim nation who are their neighbors as well & have been their allies forever. These very poor Yemenis are being bombarded day and night for the last more than two weeks with no reprieve by a coalition of all Middle Eastern MUSLIM nations for no crime of theirs except a desire to free themselves of Saudi hegemony & domination. This war is unwarranted and international war crime against humanity and must cease forthwith and Pakistan along with Turkey or alone must move the UN to stop this illegal aggression against Yemen

Recommend 0

Pats

Apr 09, 2015 07:23pm

It is KSA violating YEMAN's territory. Why Pakistan keep telling "...Pakistan held Saudi Arabia in high esteem and would stand shoulder to shoulder with them if their territorial integrity is violated..." Also, by stating this as long as KSA's territory is not violated, Pakistan is right now not standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

Recommend 0

Confused

Apr 09, 2015 07:25pm

This is a great opportunity to get a discount on some natural gas.

Recommend 0

PakCanuck

Apr 09, 2015 07:48pm

Good initiative by Iran. The issue should be resolved peacefully Tough position for Pakistan to be in. Pakistan govt is handling it very well by listening to all point of views ie Iran and KSA, plus also having a Parliamentary debate. Hopefully they will be influenced by national interests and not driven to war by Sharif's personal interests/history with KSA

Recommend 0

IMTIAZ SYED

Apr 09, 2015 09:41pm

First accord prioroty to National Interest Mr. nawaz sharif. Our territorial integrity is being perpetually violated. All sorts of nationalities enter Pakistan without visa, get combat training and indulge in terrorism for more than a decade now. You had a chance to share thoughts with world reknowned King of Diplimacy - Javad Zarif, but you refuse to learn. Your stubborness will earn you disgrace and humiluation for the country. Dont twist the facts as parliament has spoken against war. Not sure, ask Sartaj Aziz.

Recommend 0

ashfaq

Apr 09, 2015 10:42pm

We never see a problem solved with sword and guns while you are invading a foreign country.If you have to resolve issues and conflicts, the only way is to involve the inmates and avoid imposing an imported solution .Whenever there are external powers acting in a 3rd country in trouble, arms cant play a role.Same here in Yemen, the decision must be from Yemeni people and not by force from any external force.Let them decide their own fate, only thing you can do is try to facilitate them for a dialogue and talks.

Recommend 0

sssj

Apr 09, 2015 11:50pm

The simple truth is that the "House of Saud" is on the wrong side of History and Pakistan would make an existential mistake if it is trapped into supporting the Saudi establishment. As muslims our primary concern is our two holy Mosques, without doubt every beliving muslim will willingly lay down his or her life in defence of Makkah and Madinah. However, our mosques are not under threat and if any thing the house of Saud is the party comitting aggression on our yemeni muslim brothers....so we cannot be a party to this agression.

Recommend 0

Zak

Apr 10, 2015 12:36am

Saudi FM, Irani FM, Yemen FM all asking pakistan the regional powers help, including india , asking to save indians from Yemen. Big responsibility, well demonstrated and displayed.

Recommend 0

m.mirza

Apr 10, 2015 04:22am

@Asif My best wishes to you on this. m.mirza

Recommend 0

manu usa

Apr 10, 2015 06:19am

@Zak yes. Pakistan is world super power.

Recommend 0