Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian addressed the issue of militant support from third countries in the border areas between Iran and Pakistan, during a joint press conference with interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in Islamabad. The two ministers discussed the importance of cooperation and dialogue in progressing bilateral relations.
Tensions arose between the two countries following Iranian air strikes in Pakistan. The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that the two countries have no territorial differences and expressed Iran’s commitment to respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Foreign Minister Jilani added that both countries have agreed to establish a high-level constructive mechanism at the level of foreign ministers to oversee progress in multiple areas of cooperation. They also plan to establish border security mechanisms and open operationalize border markets for trade.
Additionally, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met with FM Abdollahian and stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state. Both sides also discussed efforts to tackle terrorism through collaborative approaches and better coordination.
Moreover, the Iranian FM also met caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to further consolidate bilateral ties and address common challenges. Prime Minister Kakar extended an invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan.
The Iranian FM’s visit came after a series of tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and Pakistan, prompting a high-level meeting within Pakistan to address mutual security concerns. The meeting resulted in an agreement to reduce tensions and deepen historical relations through dialogue and diplomacy.
Following the Iranian FM’s visit, envoys of Pakistan and Iran arrived at their respective embassies in Islamabad and Tehran, and the two countries continued to seek normalcy in diplomatic relations.
However, the easing of tensions was overshadowed by an incident in which nine Pakistani workers were shot dead in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. Pakistan urged Iranian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and hold those involved accountable. The victims were from various districts in Punjab, and two injured Pakistanis are expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.