When the Iranian embassy celebrated its National Day in Islamabad, it was the first time for the new ambassador, Mehdi Honardoost, to preside over the event.

The National Day is celebrated on February 11 to remember the establishment of the theocratic Islamic republic after the successful revolution of 1979. The constitution was adopted on April 1 which is referred to as the Islamic Republic Day.

The chief guest on the occasion was Pervez Rashid, the federal minister for information and broadcasting.

The cordial relations between Iran and Pakistan were underlined in the speeches. The guests were in an optimist mood for Iran’s future.

“I am glad that after lifting of the sanctions Iran again will be back as an important partner in the region and the world,” said a Pakistani guest.

“I believe we will all benefit from that, in culture, trade and in other fields. I am also curious to know more about Iran; it is an advanced country.”

The ambassador said more than half of the university students in Iran were women and that was something many wouldn’t have expected.”

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2016