ISLAMABAD: Iranian envoy to Pakistan Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini on Thursday sought enhanced ties with Pakistan and said Tehran was willing to boost “mutual cooperation in the areas of human rights and judicial cooperation”.

Mr Hosseini made these remarks in a meeting with Human Rights Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at the minister’s office in Islamabad. Human Rights Secretary Afzal Latif and other senior officers of the ministry were also present in this meeting.

In a statement issued here, the ministry said that the federal minister for human rights welcomed the Iranian ambassador and underscored “cordial” relations between the two countries.

The Iranian ambassador said that the special focus of the Iranian government was on women’s empowerment. He further stressed for strong economic and business ties and maximum cooperation in the exchange of prisoners between Islamabad and Tehran.

The envoy invited the human rights minister to an official visit to Iran to attend a ceremony in August where sideline meetings would also be arranged to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of human rights.

Mr Hosseini mentioned the two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two governments on extradition/exchange of prisoners and for protection and promotion of human rights.

The envoy also stressed the need for cooperation among Muslim countries to confront Islamophobia and blasphemy through diplomatic channels.

The minister highlighted the numerous opportunities for cooperation that existed between the two neighboring countries. He said that the people of Pakistan had deep devotion and respect for Iran.

In his concluding remarks, the minister said that Pakistan derived inspiration for human rights from the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2022