ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday welcomed ongoing efforts to ease regional tensions, cautioning that any military escalation involving Iran could have far-reaching consequences, destabilising not only the Gulf region but also South Asia and Western Asia, with serious implications for global peace and the world economy.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran’s National Day, the president underscored the dangers of resolving disputes through force.

“Any instability involving Iran, or any attempt to resolve issues through military means, carries grave risks. Such actions could undermine global peace and cause serious harm to the global economy. The stakes are far too high for confrontation,” he said.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, including those imposed on Iran, emphasizing that peaceful engagement and dialogue remain the most effective means of ensuring regional and international security. “Pakistan welcomes efforts aimed at easing tensions and encourages continued dialogue among relevant parties in a constructive spirit, with the objective of promoting peace and stability in the region,” he added.

At the outset of the event, the president requested participants to observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent blast in Islamabad and those affected by tragedies in Iran. “Let us pray that wars never come to us,” he said.

Referring to ongoing conflicts, terrorism, external interference and unresolved regional flashpoints, President Zardari stressed that such challenges could not be addressed through unilateral actions or the use of force. He highlighted the shared responsibilities of Pakistan and Iran as neighbouring countries, noting their continued cooperation on border management and counter-terrorism, as well as efforts to transform the shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade and sustainable development.

The president said Pakistan values balanced relations at the global level and remains ready to play a constructive role in promoting restraint, dialogue and regional peace. Extending warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Iran, he expressed hope that bilateral ties would continue to grow. “May our partnership continue to deepen, and may our region move towards security, stability and shared prosperity,” he said.

Highlighting the civilisational depth of Pakistan-Iran relations, President Zardari said the two countries were not only neighbours but also civilisational partners. “Our shared border reflects centuries of interaction, coexistence and mutual respect. Our relationship is rooted in faith, history and enduring cultural bonds that continue to shape our region,” he remarked.

He also noted the profound influence of the Persian language and literary tradition on Pakistan’s intellectual and cultural life. For centuries, Persian served as the official language across large parts of the region that now constitute Pakistan, he said, adding that its influence remains deeply embedded in the national consciousness. “Pakistan’s national anthem itself reflects the deep imprint of the Persian language on our collective identity.”

The president recalled that long before Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned Sindhi poet Sachal Sarmast composed poetry in Persian, reflecting a shared spiritual and philosophical heritage. He added that poets and thinkers such as Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi and Ferdowsi are widely revered in Pakistan, while Iqbal—who wrote much of his work in Persian—remains a shared symbol of dignity and renewal for both societies.

In his welcome address, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam, said that despite facing external pressures and challenges, Iran had achieved significant progress in key sectors including technology, defence, science and the economy. He noted that the Iranian nation had consistently demonstrated resilience and self-reliance, transforming challenges into opportunities and continuing its development journey with determination.

The ambassador reiterated that Iran does not seek war and believes in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. However, he cautioned that if war were imposed, Iran would respond decisively to defend its sovereignty. Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Iran, he said multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed across various sectors, reflecting the growing breadth of bilateral cooperation.

Dr Moghaddam also expressed appreciation to the government and people of Pakistan for their support, particularly during what he described as Israeli aggression against Iran, underscoring the enduring solidarity between the two neighbouring countries.