Iranian FM Spokeswoman Urges Restraint in Pakistan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham hoped for an end to the current troubles in Pakistan and urged all political sides to exercise restraint.
Afkham on Sunday reiterated Iran’s previous positions on the current developments in Pakistan and called for the peaceful resolution of differences among political sides.
She stressed that a stable Pakistan run by the principles of democracy serves interests of everyone including the Pakistani nation and the regional countries.
Afkham expressed the hope that the current troubles in Pakistan will end through the prudence of the country’s leaders and officials.
At least two people were killed and more than 400 others injured on Sunday after police in Islamabad fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters outside the parliament building and the official residence of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Clashes erupted on Saturday, with witnesses saying that scores of demonstrators carrying hammers and iron rods broke down a fence outside the parliament building and entered the parking area and the lawns.
Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan, who heads the Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, and cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri, the head of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), have been leading daily protest rallies in the capital Islamabad since August 14.
The two opposition figures have pledged to remain peaceful and called on Pakistani security forces not to use force against the demonstrators. They have also called for the resignation of the country’s premier over alleged fraud in last year’s general election.
