Message from Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran

My dear Pakistani sisters and brothers the greate people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Assalam-o-alykom! As the new Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, in to the first week of my arrival here, it gives me great pleasure to convey my sincere greetings and best wishes to fellow Iranians and all well-wishers of Iran in Pakistan on this happy occasion of Iran's 38th National Day.
As evident from the world history, Iran has been the cradle of the most ancient world civilization. Here the first monarchial rule was established 4000 years ago in 330 BC after migration of the Aryans to Iran.
Due to its geographical position and strong cultural foundations, Iran has always played a positive, useful and decisive role in political, economic and cultural developments as well as peace and stability of the region and the world.
In the history of Iran which is full of ups and downs, 11 February 1979 carries a great importance. This day the Iranian nation which has always been on the forefront in forming civilizations and cultures achieved what will be remembered in the Iranian and world history forever. This day they dethroned the biggest despotic ruler of the region and established the Islamic republic system in the country.
Running the national affairs on the principles of freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, equity and justice and religious teachings in an exemplary way is one of the important characteristics of the Islamic revolution.
Social structure was founded on the glorious teachings of Islam. As a result, people became closer to their religion and Islamic rule established in the country.
Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran has entered 39th year of its establishment after passing through various crises and hurdles over all these years. Despite all difficulties, today Iran as a regional power and an important international player has earned a name for itself at the global level through making remarkable progress and advancements in industry, science, space technology, nanotechnology, atomic energy, medical therapy, agriculture, engineering and other sectors. As a result of these achievements, Iran has attained economic stability and has taken up various useful programs besides several peace and security plans.
Before the Islamic revolution, Iran was able to meet the domestic needs for food for 30 days, but today, despite of the population being two and a half times higher, it is able to meet its food needs for more than 300 days and even export the food items.
Children mortality rate has dropped from 140 to less than 16 per thousand while life expectancy has gone up from 58 to 73.5 years. Number of electricity subscribers in Iran in 1979 was 3399000, but it rose to more than 32million by the end of the last year. We are now exporters of electricity to our neighboring countries. Iran has the second largest natural gas reserves in the world at 3.27 trillion cubic meters. In 1979 only 51000 Iranian families enjoyed the blessing of gas but now more than 20 million Iranian households(more than 67 million individuals) have gas connections. From 1912 to 1957, Iran had 4565 kilometers of railway lines but now we have more than 14000 kms of this network. On average, laying of railroads in Iran each year has witnessed a growth from 80 kms to 168 kms. Till 1979, we produced 25% of medicines needed by the country, but now we produce 96% of these medicines within the country and have become a medicine exporter.
Our telephone landline connections have surged from 800850 to 30 million. Presently, there are more than 70 million mobile phone users in Iran (total population around 76 million), and with the development of optic fiber in this country, more than 55 million people (around 78%) in this country are using internet.
As reported by international scientific circles, the rate of scientific progress in Iran is 11 times higher than the average global scientific growth. Literacy rate in Iran is 93 percent.
Number of university students in Iran has surged from 154,000 to 5 million, which has swollen more than 20 times within 27 years. Iran has now changed into a scientific pole in West Asia and in the area of Nano, it ranks 12th in the world.
Besides progress in the scientific field the Iranian nation has also succeeded in giving stability to the biggest democracy in the region, where the people are enjoying freedom and sovereignty and fully take part in national affairs.
Over the last 38 years, more than 30 elections have been held in the country which includes several presidential elections besides Islamic Consultative Assembly, Council of Experts and municipal elections. Turnout in these elections had been unparalleled in democracies across the world, especially in the region. These elections reflected the role of Iranians in determining their own destiny and in the existence of a free political and social atmosphere in Iran.
The foreign policy of my country includes constructive interactions with the international community specially neighboring countries. In the foreign policy sector, the Islamic Republic of Iran is pursuing the three principles laid down by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution H.E. Ayatollah Khamenie: defending honor and respect, devising prudent plans and expedient solution of problems. It is on the basis of these principles that the Islamic Republic of Iran establishes and promotes its relations with other nations particularly the Muslim and its neighboring countries.
The agreement between Iran and the P5+1 related to Iran's nuclear program has been hailed as a great achievement for diplomacy around the world. With the P5+1 we have found a way for protecting Iran's rights as well as allaying the concerns of the west. This is a "balanced" and long-term agreement which satisfies all sides. This agreement once again endorsed that the negotiation is the best way to settle disputes. Despite the rage shown by war-lovers and their action against it, we are resolute to implement this agreement completely.
Expansion of relations with the Islamic and neighboring countries including Pakistan has always been a top priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pakistan being a friendly, brotherly and neighboring country of the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys a special place in our foreign policy. Security, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan is what the Islamic Republic of Iran actually yearns for. The Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Pakistan have strong relations in all cultural, economic and political fields and these relations have their roots embedded in their deep geographical, historical, religious and social bonds. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not believe in limitations and borders for expansion of relations with Pakistan and authorities in my country are committed to expand relations with Pakistan in all spheres of life.
The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is the turning point in our bilateral ties. Pakistan needs energy and Iran is interested in fulfilling a part of this need. My country is committed to this grand destiny-making project. This project will benefit both sides. Pakistan is suffering from shortage of energy while this project can meet a remarkable part of this shortage. Three years back my country started some medical and educational projects across Sindh and till now we have constructed three hospitals in Badin, Khairpur and Thatta and one high school in Badin while other three hospitals and two high schools are almost complete. We have plan to build some other projects in the flood-affected areas of Sindh and they will be completed in a couple of months. These projects show that Iran and Pakistan are all-season friends. The future of both our countries is very bright and no force can derail it.
As the new Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, arriving here in Karachi just last week, I hope I can play an effective role in expansion of relation between the two Muslim friendly and brotherly countries, Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Long Live Iran - Pakistan Friendship.