On Friday, Pakistan and Iran took steps to de-escalate tensions and enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism after recent military strikes in each other's territories. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani engaged in a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, expressing Pakistan's commitment to working with Iran based on mutual trust and cooperation. Emphasizing the importance of respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, both ministers agreed to strengthen working-level cooperation and close coordination on counter-terrorism and other mutual concerns.
The Foreign Office highlighted the close brotherly relations between the two nations and discussed the return of Ambassadors to their respective capitals. The positive developments followed precision military strikes by Pakistan against alleged terrorist hideouts in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, seen as retaliation for Iranian attacks on Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl bases in Pakistan earlier.
Amir-Abdollahian urged Pakistan to assist in preventing terrorist plots and destroying hideouts on its territories. He emphasized the necessity of serious security and military cooperation, vowing not to allow terrorist groups to sabotage Iran. Referring to Iran's recent actions against Jaish al-Adl, he revealed intelligence indicating plans for terrorist attacks involving over 50 individuals.
In the context of the situation in Palestine, both foreign ministers emphasized the importance of unity among influential Islamic countries. Pakistan invited Iran's foreign minister to visit Islamabad, underscoring their common stance in the fight against terrorism and the need for constructive and brotherly ties.
Meanwhile, in a conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Jilani clarified that the military strikes targeted terrorist camps within Iran, expressing Pakistan's lack of interest in escalation. Exchange of goodwill messages between foreign ministries and positive exchanges between officials suggested a cooling off of tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan reciprocated sentiments, emphasizing the need to restore trust and confidence for resolving issues through positive dialogue. Iran's counterpart expressed belief that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the key to resolving tensions, asserting that only terrorists and enemies benefit from strained relations between the two nations.
(With Agency Inputs)
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