Iran's Islamic Rev., Source of Inspiration For Oppressed: Pakistani Minister

Islamabad, Feb 4, IRNA – Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that Islamic Revolution of Iran is a source of inspiration for the people of oppressed Muslim countries. Speaking to IRNA, she congratulated Iran on the 33rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. “I congratulate Iranian people and its leadership on the success of Islamic Revolution,” the minister said. “Islamic Revolution is a major event in the history,” she added. The minister appreciated contributions of all those people who participated in the Revolution. “Islamic Revolution is a result of a long struggle of Iranian nation’, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said. She added that Iran and Pakistan have a long history of cordial and friendly relations and people of both the countries share same sentiments for each other. “We have lots of commonalities”, the minister viewed. “We have long lasting ties which will grow further in times to come. Pakistan and Iran, she added, are striving to safeguard their common values through art and culture. “We have the same socio-cultural background”, said the minister. She stressed the need for holding of cultural programs between the two brotherly neighbors adding that such programs would further strengthen the bilateral ties. Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that people to people interaction between Iran and Pakistan should be promoted. “We have to be united and strengthen each other not only economically but socially and culturally”, she suggested. She was confident that Pakistan and Iran with their cooperation can surely face all challenges including the menace of terrorism. Firdaus Ashiq Awan referring to a cultural exhibition organized in connection with the celebrations of Islamic Revolution said that this exhibition is indeed a step forward to promote cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. The minister did not comment on the reported date of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Pakistan when asked. “Foreign Office would be in a better position to answer your question”, she said./end