Farewell Reception to Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan

In a bid to farewell the ambassador of Iran to Pakistan H.E. Masha’Allah Shakeri, a farewell reception was hosted in his honour by Institute of Policy Studies on October 31, 2011. A select gathering of senior former diplomats and intellectuals attended the reception.

In a bid to farewell the ambassador of Iran to Pakistan H.E. Masha’Allah Shakeri, a farewell reception was hosted in his honour by Institute of Policy Studies on October 31, 2011. A select gathering of senior former diplomats and intellectuals attended the reception.

Prof. Khurshid Ahmad in his welcoming remarks to the outgoing ambassador recounted his association with Pakistan and his contribution in promoting the bilateral ties between the two countries. Underscoring the need to strengthen the bilateral relations to face the multiple challenges, he remarked that differences were part of life but they should not prevent both the countries from capitalizing on the opportunities for their mutual benefit. He noted further that Pakistan and Iran shared much more common grounds and they should become the basis for the strong bilateral relations.

Prof.Khurshid Ahmad said that five years long stay of Ambassador Mash’Allah Shakeri in Pakistan had been a source of inspiration for the people of Pakistan and during his stay he acted as the great friend of Pakistan. He expressed the best wishes for him and assured him that IPS would continue its efforts in future as well to cement the bonds between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador  Shakeri said that both the countries had made enormous contribution in a number of areas but there is still a long way to go. He maintained that Iran was ready to establish and strengthen relations with Pakistan in all conceivable spheres including communication network, people to people contacts, transportation, energy, border trade etc. “Iran is willing to help in development of security and security of development,” he added and observed that such holistic connectivity between the two countries would make the bilateral relations stronger.

He expressed his surprise over the efforts being made by those who don’t want Iran and Pakistan to be firmly connected,” I don’t know what objectives they want to have by such efforts,” he questioned.

Ambassador Shakeri opined that Pakistan and Iran should go beyond the bilateral spheres and play some role at the level of Ummah. The recent “Islamic Awakening” in the Arab world urges the Muslim thinkers and intellectuals to come up with an Islamic framework having the blend of old and contemporary models for the Muslim countries.

He expressed his thanks for the reception and said that Iran would always remain brother and friend of Pakistan and would pursue the policy of safeguarding the interests of Pakistan.

 

In the end Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, presented a souvenir to Ambassador Masha’Allah Shakeri and DG IPS Khalid Rahman thanked the participants that among others included IPS Council members and senior associates Dr. S. M. Koreishi, Mr. Akram Zaki, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Khan, Dr. Iffat Dar, Dr. Saeeda Asadullah, Mr. Javed Hafeez, Air Cdr (R) Khalid Iqbal, Cdr (R) Azhar Ahmad and Prof. Saeed uddin Dar.