Iran will never compromise on peaceful nuclear programme, Consul General Mehran Movahedfar said in Lahore on Tuesday, emphasising that Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a religious fatwa banning the manufacture and use of weapons of mass destruction.
He made this statement during his visit to the University of South Asia where he spoke to deans, directors, heads of departments and faculty members. The envoy was invited the university by Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood.
On the occasion, Mr Movahedfar expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's diplomacy and praised the country for its efforts in fostering peace and dialogue in the region. In reference to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he asserted that Pakistan had worked very hard to decrease the tension and pave the way for peace.
The consul general praised the civil and military leadership of Pakistan, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, for their diplomatic efforts. Pakistan's leadership has been united in efforts to ensure peace and stability, he said.
The late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had a special liking for the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who has left a significant impact on cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries, Mr Movahedfar said, underlining the historical connection between Iran and Pakistan.
The Iranian envoy was received by Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood. He reiterated the university's efforts to enhance academic ties with universities in Iran.
The vice chancellor also suggested signing MOUs between the University of South Asia and the prominent universities of Iran for augmenting educational ties and cooperation. The agreements under consideration would facilitate cooperation in research, faculty and student exchange and cultural cooperation, he said.
Mr Movahedfar welcomed the proposal and assured the university administration of the Iranian Consulate's full support in facilitating academic partnerships. The event concluded with the exchange of commemorative souvenirs between the university administration and the visiting delegation.