KARACHI: A delegation of journalists met Iran’s consul general in Karachi, Akbar Eisa Zadeh, to discuss current diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran.
During the meeting, the Iranian diplomat briefed media representatives on the recent unrest in Iran. He said the country’s fragile economic situation was largely the result of what he described as unfounded sanctions imposed by the United States and western countries. These restrictions, he said, had prevented Iran from engaging freely in trade and economic activity, creating widespread frustration among the public.
Eisa Zadeh said the protests had initially begun as peaceful demonstrations by ordinary Iranians. He added that senior government officials, including the president, had publicly acknowledged the people’s right to protest. However, he claimed that the situation later changed when “suspicious elements” exploited the demonstrations.
According to the consul general, these groups resorted to violence, targeting security forces and innocent civilians. He said incidents of firing and killings took place under the cover of the protests, escalating tensions and undermining legitimate public demands.
Eisa Zadeh also thanked Pakistan for supporting Iran during a difficult period. He specifically highlighted Pakistan’s stance in favor of Iran at the UN human rights proceedings in Geneva. He further said that Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, had telephoned Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, to express gratitude for the timely support.
Pakistani journalists at the meeting said Pakistan and Iran shared long-standing relations. They pledged to cooperate in countering what they described as propaganda by western media, particularly outlets they said were influenced by Israeli interests.
