Iran Asks Rival Political Groups in Pakistan to Exercise Self-Restraint

01 September 2014 | 06:09 Code : 1937739 Latest Headlines

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham urged rival Pakistani political groups to show self-restraint and endeavor to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

Afkham renewed Iran's previous stances vis-à-vis Pakistan's ongoing political unrests, and invited all concerned parties to resolve their differences peacefully.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokeswoman invited all the rival Pakistani political groups to exercise self-restraint in line the nation's interests.

She expressed the hope that Pakistan's existing problems would be resolved through the wise and insightful decisions and moves of the Pakistani leaders and officials, stressing that a stable Pakistan which relies on democratic principles will be beneficial to every one, including the Pakistani nation and the regional countries.

Afkham had in similar remarks on Monday underlined Tehran's strong support for a peaceful solution to the ongoing political differences in Pakistan.

"I hope that any difference in the opinions of the different Pakistani political parties and groups would end peacefully and without any tension in line with the interests of people of Pakistan," Afkham said.

Underlining the need to respect democracy, Afkham called on all political parties in Pakistan to solve their dispute at the negotiating table.

The protests in Islamabad, that began August 15, entered the 16th day Sunday as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the government remained deadlocked over the issue of resignation by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif whom they accused of rigging the 2013 general elections.

Opposition leader Imran Khan and cleric Tahir ul-Qadri, who controls a network of Islamic schools and hospitals, have been leading protests in the capital Islamabad since ten days ago.

Both want Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign over allegations of "corruption and election rigging". Sharif, who won the last election by a landslide, has refused.