President Asif Ali Zardari has warned that any military escalation involving Iran could severely destabilise the Gulf region, South Asia, and Western Asia, underscoring the grave risks of resolving disputes through force, as he said at a reception hosted by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad.

Addressing guests on the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Zardari praised efforts to ease tensions and stressed that military confrontation could undermine global peace and harm the world economy. He reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, advocating instead for peaceful engagement and diplomatic dialogue to promote security and stability across the region.

Zardari also called on participating dignitaries to observe a minute of silence in memory of victims of a recent blast in Islamabad and tragedies in Iran, saying, “Let’s pray that wars never come to us.”

He emphasised cooperation with Iran on border management, counter-terrorism, and lawful trade, viewing shared challenges as best addressed through constructive dialogue rather than force.