Pakistani MP : Gilani's Iran visit highly significant

A Pakistani parliamentarian on Friday described as highly significant the Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani’s visit to Iran. Talking to IRNA, Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called for enhancing Iran-Pakistan economic relationship. Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani during his three-day state visit to Iran has held talks with Iranian leadership to further strengthen the bilateral ties and cooperation in diverse fields. The Pakistani prime minister also emphasized on the immense potential between the two peoples. Iran and Pakistan have also decided to take up their trade volume to the level of $10 billion. Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said that the decision of Pakistan to enhance economic cooperation with Iran was overdue. 'It is very encouraging to see that soon an Iranian bank would be opening in Pakistan and both countries have decided to establish a joint airline,' he added. The Senator said that relations between Iran and Pakistan have always remained strong. 'Iran has always helped Pakistan in difficult times and we have to reciprocate the same gesture,' he said. He hailed the decision of Iran and Pakistan to expedite work on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project adding that the project would generate economic activity in the region. The politician was of the view that the project would become a lifeline for Pakistan in times to come. Tahir Hussain Mashhadi said Pakistan should cooperate with Iran in energy sector to overcome ongoing crisis. “We must sign more deals with Iran to bring electricity to Pakistan,' he suggested. He said that Pakistan must go ahead with Iran in all projects irrespective of external pressures. “I see very bright future of Iran-Pakistan friendship,' he said. The Senator also thanked Iran for deciding to donate $ 100 million for the rehabilitation of the rain affected people of Sindh province. 'We are very thankful to Iran for their generosity,' he added.