Chaudhary Shujaat, son Shafay Hussain visit Iranian consulate

Lahore: Former Prime Minister Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain and Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhary Shafay Hussain visited the Iranian Consulate.

They offered their condolences to Iranian Consul General Mehran Movahedfar for the tragic helicopter accident that claimed lives of the Iranian President and his colleagues, and also offered prayers for the deceased.

Iranian Consul General Mehran Movahedfar expressed gratitude, stating, "You have come to your own home. We deeply appreciate your sympathy. The love and support shown by the people of Pakistan during this difficult time will never be forgotten." He further mentioned that both nations are committed to enhancing bilateral relations. During the Iranian President's visit, new chapters were opened in relationship between two countries, with a decision to increase trade volume to $10 billion. 

Consul General Movahedfar noted that meat imports from Pakistan to Iran are increasing. He thanked Chaudhary Shafay Hussain for his personal interest in resolving the PAMCO issue and expressed hope that he would continue to assist until the payment matters are fully settled. He emphasized that government of Punjab and Iran will foster greater trade cooperation, and that no country holds a higher place in the eyes of Iran's Supreme Leader than Pakistan. Addressing Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain, the Consul General expressed a desire for him to visit Iran again, assuring that the consulate would provide all possible facilities.

Former Prime Minister Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain highlighted deep social, cultural, and civilizational ties between Pakistan and Iran, stressing the need to enhance trade cooperation. He called for practical steps to increase the trade volume to $10 billion between the two countries. He also mentioned that his statement on the Israel attack had been criticized. In the embassy's guest book, Chaudhary Shujaat penned his condolences and reminisced about his visit to Iran as the Interior Minister in the 1990s. He presented a copy of his authored book to the Iranian Consul General.

Provincial Minister Chaudhary Shafay Hussain reiterated his commitment to resolving the PAMCO issue, stating, "I stand with you until the issue is fully resolved." He mentioned that discussions have already taken place to enhance cooperation in agriculture, solar energy, and other sectors, and that further talks will be held to boost trade cooperation between Punjab and Iran.