Pak backs Iran’s nuke tech within IAEA framework
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan attaches importance to development of its relations with Iran and fully supports acquisition of nuclear technology by Iran as per international laws.
He said this during his meeting with a delegation of Iranian media here Saturday. Prime Minister told the delegation that Pakistan was working on gas pipeline project sincerely as it would not only boost trade relations among the counties of the region but would also improve peace and security situation in the region.
Pakistan wants peace and stability in the regions and is eager that other countries of the region respect its desire of peace and work together for the development and prosperity of South Asia, he underscored.
Pakistan and Iran have commonalities of views on the resolution of global issues and both are striving for peace in the world, he held. Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan is on the track to rapid economic development. Therefore, domestic and foreign investment level is growing.
He stressed that both the countries should expand bilateral cooperation n diverse fields so that they could benefit from each other expertise. He indicated Pakistan was working for establishment of oil refineries and several investors have started showing interest in this connection.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday said Pakistan has joined the international coalition to fight the menace of terrorism in its national interest and to ensure peace and security in the region and in the world. Talking to a Iranian media delegation, which called on him here at Prime Minister House, Shaukat Aziz said, Pakistan’s decision to join war against terrorism was purely in its national interest and without any pressure.
Replying to a question, on the comments in the book of President General Pervez Musharraf regarding threat to Pakistan from America, the Prime Minister explained that Pakistan has not taken the decision to support war against terrorism under any international pressure adding that all decisions of the government are in national interest and on principles.
Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan and Iran have cordial and friendly relations and Pakistan desires peace in the region and against arms race. He however said peace comes through strength, therefore, Pakistan always had minimum deterrent to safeguard its integrity and solidarity.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan has been working together with international community for interfaith harmony for achieving harmony and to ensure peace. On the issue of gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran, the Prime Minister said its a viable project and Pakistan is committed to the completion of the project.
He said Pakistan has been discussing the project with Iran and is now at the stage of fixing gas prices. He said,”Pakistan is supportive and remains committed to the project of gas pipeline from Iran as its good for Pakistan and Iran.” The Prime Minister said Pakistan even offered India to join this project adding that India has accepted the offer and now the gas pipeline project being considered as “Peace Pipeline” was under active consideration by the three countries, Pakistan, India and Iran.
Shaukat Aziz also ensured full protection and security of the project and added its good for all three countries to boost their economic conditions and to promoting inter-linking. Explaining economic opportunities for foreign investment in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said there is no restriction on foreign investment in any sector.