By IANS
New Delhi : Iran Thursday called for restoration of democracy and stability in Pakistan, saying it was in the best interests of that country as well as of the region.
“We hope that Pakistan will restore democracy and the rule of law as soon as possible,” Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, who is currently on a four-day visit to India, told reporters here.
“We hope that Pakistan will be stabilised,” he replied when asked about Iran’s reaction to the imposition of emergency in Pakistan.
“The establishment of democracy in Pakistan is in the best interests of that country as well in the interests of all countries in the region,” the minister said.
“Terrorist groups have been very active in Pakistan. Terrorism is a major problem in the region,” he said.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf cited the escalation in terrorist activities as one of the key reasons for imposing emergency in his country Nov 3.
Pakistan’s nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan, who masterminded an underground nuclear market, is accused of transferring sensitive nuclear technology to Iran that has spurred Tehran to pursue nuclear weapons in the guise of a peaceful civilian nuclear energy programme.
Iran has rejected any link with the Khan network and denied any attempt to develop nuclear weapons.