Pakistani Senator Lauds Iran's Independent N. Stance http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8902211322

A senior Pakistani senator defended Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and praised Tehran's firm nuclear stances.  "Iran's firm nuclear stance is derived from the country's political independence," member of the Pakistani Senate Pervaiz Rasheed said in an interview with FNA in Islamabad on Tuesday. "The way Iranians display their stance on the nuclear issue is laudable. It is better for the Pakistani authorities to follow Iran's diplomatic tactics," the Pakistani politician stated. 

Rasheed, who is also a well-known member of Pakistan's Muslim League-Nawaz, voiced his support for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, and added, "Iran's nuclear program is completely in line with peaceful purposes." "If the US has the right to use nuclear energy, why shouldn't Iran use the nuclear energy," the Pakistani senator asked. He further blasted Islamabad's foreign policy, and said despite claims by the Pakistani officials, Islamabad's foreign policy does not serve the country's national interests. 

"We are following policies of the others, we need to set aside these policies for the sake of our own national interests," the senator concluded. A large number of Pakistani politicians have started criticizing Islamabad for giving in to the US pressures, urging the country's officials to model on Iran's policies and decisions in relations with the western powers. A senior Pakistani politician called on Islamabad officials to follow Ahmadinejad as a role model in standing against the irrational demands raised by the western powers, specially the US. 

"Pakistani officials should learn from the Iranian president how to represent their nation," Former chief of Pakistan's Jamaat-e-Islami and Head of the country's Majlis-e-Amal Qazi Hussain Ahmad told FNA. He further praised Ahmadinejad's approach in stating Iran's nuclear positions, underlining that his approach has portrayed Iran as a firm and real nation. 

Hussain Ahmad stated that Pakistani officials have hidden behind the US policies, and said Pakistan is a nuclear power, but cannot act as one and "I fear the day when Pakistani officials sell the country's nuclear program just for a few million dollars". Hussain Ahmad also blasted Pakistani officials for surrendering the country's nationals to the US under the pretext of campaign against terrorism.