Iran marks 47 years of Islamic revolution

2026-02-14 - 23:56

Marking the 47th anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, Eisa Akbar Zadeh, used the occasion to reaffirm Tehran’s commitment to sovereignty, regional diplomacy and expanded ties with Pakistan. Addressing a gathering that included Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, senior provincial officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of political and economic sectors, the envoy described the Islamic Revolution as a “living testament” to the resilience and determination of the Iranian people. Speaking at the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Zadeh said Iran had navigated five decades of shifting regional dynamics by relying on indigenous capabilities, social cohesion and human capital. Despite what he characterized as unjust sanctions and sustained economic pressure from major powers, he said Iran had made measurable progress in science, technology and healthcare. He pointed to growth in non-oil exports and advances in infrastructure development, pharmaceutical production, housing projects, access to clean drinking water and communications networks. “These developments,” he said, “have improved the quality of life for ordinary citizens and strengthened national self-sufficiency.” The event began with a documentary highlighting Iran’s post-revolution development efforts, underscoring themes of economic resilience and technological advancement. Later, Zadeh and Governor Tessori cut a ceremonial cake to mark the anniversary. In his remarks, the consul general also addressed recent political tensions and domestic unrest. Referring to protests that began on January 7, 2026, over economic grievances, he said peaceful demonstrations had been infiltrated by what he called “foreign-backed terrorist elements,” turning them into episodes of armed unrest. While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful protest, he said the government had exercised restraint while ensuring national security. Members of Iran’s security forces were killed or injured during the unrest, he added, and authorities ultimately prevented attempts to destabilize the country. Zadeh also touched on Iran’s foreign policy challenges, citing what he described as continued military, political and media pressure from Israel and some Western powers. He said Iran had nonetheless engaged in nuclear negotiations in good faith, completing five rounds of talks with a sixth planned, even as regional tensions persisted. “Diplomacy remains central to Iran’s foreign policy,” he said, emphasizing that negotiations based on mutual respect and shared interests could succeed, but those rooted in threats or unilateral demands would not. Positioning Iran as an independent and influential regional actor, Zadeh said Tehran supports dialogue and cooperation to promote stability and sustainable development. He described the country’s approach as a balanced foreign policy that includes engagement with neighboring states, emerging powers and regional organizations. A significant portion of his address focused on relations with Pakistan, which he called a “brotherly country” bound to Iran by shared religion, history and culture. He said bilateral ties, spanning centuries, had gained fresh momentum in recent years across economic, political and cultural domains. “Iran-Pakistan relations are more than state-to-state ties,” he said, describing them as a bond between two nations and civilizations committed to peace and prosperity. He expressed optimism that memorandums of understanding signed between Sindh province and various Iranian provinces would open new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, technology and tourism. He also thanked the people of Sindh for their role in strengthening bilateral engagement. Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, speaking as chief guest, echoed the emphasis on historical and cultural bonds. He noted that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan following its independence in 1947 and called for a significant expansion of bilateral trade. Governor Tessori said both countries should aim to increase their trade volume to $ 10 billion, underscoring the economic potential of closer cooperation.