By IRNA,
Islamabad : President Institute of Regional Studies Maj Gen. (Retd.) Jamshed Ayaz Khan welcomed upcoming presidential elections in Iran saying that he expects free, fare and transparent elections.
Talking to IRNA, he said that it is the democratic right of Iranian people to elect their representatives.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan said that Iran has its own kind of democracy which is slightly different from Western form of democracy.
“Different countries have evolved their own democracies because of their system of governance”, he opined.
He said that what is expected in any election is that it should be transparent, fare and honest. “That is what we expect from Iran”, he added.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan said that it is the democratic right of people of Iran to elect their president, ‘it will be the decision of Iranian nation’. “Who so ever wins the election, will be given respect from the people of Pakistan”, he added.
“In my view President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has done a lot for his country as well as for this region, a trilateral summit was organized in Tehran where the issues pertaining to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran were discussed”, said analyst.
Commenting on Pakistan-Iran relations he said both the countries are gradually improving their relations as Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline deal has been finalized. “The project due to its importance could benefit both the countries”, he said.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan was of the view that the relations of both the countries should not only complement each other but supplement each other.
“The navies of both countries should join hands to guard the Indian Ocean”, he suggested.
He viewed that both Iran and Pakistan are very strong Muslim countries and can play a significant role in solving the issues of the region.” Hopefully we are moving in positive direction”, he said.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan took over as the President of the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad in Apri1 2002.
He retired as a Major General in 2001 after serving for approximately 39 years in the Army including eleven years as a General Officer.
He is also the member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, the Asia Society, New York and the Rotary Club International. His name is also listed in the International Who’s Who Historical Society’s list 2006-07.