Former Pakistani envoy proposed Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Islamic bloc

Islamabad, Aug 3, IRNA — Former ambassador of Pakistan to Iran terming theUS sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as a futilemove says the US should solve all issues with the Islamic Republic throughdialogue.

In an interview with IRNA, Shamshad Ahmad Khan said that sanctions havealways been an objectionable concept.

Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan said that imposing sanctions is apunitive measure which further complicates the situation instead ofresolving the matter. “Pakistan has also been a victim of sanctions,” henoted.

The US Department of the Treasury on Wednesday imposed sanctions againstIranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Zarif, who has been Iran’s foreign minister since 2013, was the chiefnegotiator in the multinational nuclear deal known as the JointComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Shamshad Ahmad Khan added that no civilized society in the world cansupport the US move against Mr. Zarif.

He said that he strongly believes that the dialogue is the only way tosolve outstanding issues. “Issues can only be solved through engagementsand dialogue,” the veteran Pakistani diplomat said.

Ex-Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations said thatunfortunately for the past 70 years we have been witnessing the US policyof double standards in the international affairs.

The international relations expert went on to say that the developingMuslim countries must join their hands to undermine western conspiraciesagainst them. “War cannot solve the issues,” he noted.

The analyst said that Muslim countries have to leave their narrowly baseddifferences and unite at a common platform.

“We must not allow west to exploit us,” former ambassador pointed out.

He was of the view that major Islamic countries like Iran, Pakistan,Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia must form a block to have a say in theglobal decision making.

Earlier Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal reacting tothe US sanctions on Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said thatdiplomacy should be given a chance.