QUETTA: Iran has described Pakistan position at the United Nations (UN) as “very encouraging”, amid Tehran’s efforts to counter what it sees as external pressure and mischaracterisation of recent unrest inside the country.
Read More: Pakistan urges diplomacy on Iran nuclear issue
Syed Abul Hasan Miri, director general of the Khana-i-Farhang (Iranian cultural centre) in Quetta, expressed gratitude during an informal interaction at the Quetta Press Club on Friday. He said Islamabad had played a “positive role” in helping ease tensions stemming from US warnings of intervention in support of anti-government protesters in Iran.
Mr Miri accused sections of Western media of amplifying “baseless propaganda” regarding developments in Iran, urging Pakistani journalists not to rely solely on such reporting. He rejected claims that 20,000 people had been killed during riots, insisting the figures were exaggerated and politically motivated.
According to the Iranian diplomat, what began as protests by traders against an economic policy shift were later portrayed as anti-state demonstrations by foreign actors. He alleged that terrorist elements subsequently targeted mosques, ambulances, financial infrastructure and municipal assets, causing extensive damage in various cities. He added that pro-government rallies had countered foreign influence, asserting that “26 million” Iranians mobilised in response.
Mr Miri further claimed that Israel’s “designs” extended beyond Iran and that Tehran believed the broader regional objective was to destabilise multiple Middle Eastern states, including Turkiye, Afghanistan and Pakistan. He said internet suspensions helped authorities contain “sabotage” and that conditions in Iran had since stabilised.
Read More: At UN, Pakistan voices hope for early normalisation of situation in Iran
At the UN Security Council, Pakistan reiterated its stance against external interference, stressing that the UN Charter and international law prohibit the threat or use of force against a state’s territorial integrity or political independence. Pakistani envoy Asim Ahmad voiced hope for early normalisation of the situation in Iran and cautioned against actions that could escalate regional tensions.