Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari stated that Pakistan opposes unilateral sanctions and coercive measures against Iran, asserting that peaceful engagement is the best approach to ensure regional and global security.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari made these remarks during a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 47th anniversary of Iran's National Day. He cautioned that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilize the Gulf region, South Asia, and Western Asia. He further emphasized that resolving issues through military means poses grave risks, undermines global peace, and could seriously harm the global economy.

President Zardari expressed Pakistan's support for efforts aimed at easing tensions and encouraged continued dialogue among relevant parties in a constructive spirit, with the goal of promoting peace and stability in the region. He underscored the shared responsibilities of Pakistan and Iran as neighboring countries, highlighting their commitment to cooperation on border management, counter-terrorism, and transforming their shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade, and development.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to maintaining balanced relations globally and expressed readiness to play a constructive role in promoting restraint, dialogue, and regional peace. Earlier in the ceremony, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, praised the resilience and self-reliance of the Iranian nation, noting their ability to turn challenges into opportunities and continue their development journey with determination.

The Ambassador stressed that Iran does not seek war and believes in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy but made it clear that Iran would fully retaliate to defend its sovereignty if war were imposed.