Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance security cooperation following deadly airstrikes by both countries earlier this month. The airstrikes, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, have escalated tensions between the two neighboring nations. In an effort to deescalate the situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, in Islamabad. Amirabdollahian also met with Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar.
The airstrikes occurred on January 17 when Iran targeted alleged hideouts of the anti-Iran Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's Baluchistan province. Tehran claimed the strikes were in response to threats posed by the militant group, while Pakistan reported casualties, including the deaths of two children and injuries to three others. In retaliation, Pakistan launched airstrikes against alleged militant hideouts in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals. Islamabad stated that it was targeting Baluch militant groups with separatist goals.
Addressing the media following their meeting, Amirabdollahian and Jilani expressed their commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and cooperation. Jilani emphasized that terrorism poses a common challenge for both countries and reiterated the importance of respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity in their cooperation.
To enhance bilateral trade, Iran and Pakistan have decided to establish free trade economic zones near the border regions. Both countries also pledged to hold regular ministerial-level meetings and facilitate communication between their liaison officers.
Amid longstanding suspicion between Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan due to militant attacks along their shared border, experts believe that the recent airstrikes were partly influenced by internal political pressures. The tit-for-tat strikes have raised concerns about the potential spread of violence in the already tense Middle East, which is further destabilized by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
During his visit, Amirabdollahian planned to discuss an incident that occurred on Saturday, in which unidentified gunmen killed four Pakistani laborers and injured three others in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province. Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and described it as 'horrifying and despicable.' Relatives of the deceased held a rally demanding the return of their loved ones' bodies. Pakistan assured that arrangements were being made with Iran's assistance, and the injured workers were receiving treatment at an Iranian hospital.
The agreement to improve security cooperation between Pakistan and Iran is a significant step towards reducing tensions and finding peaceful solutions to shared challenges. Both countries seem determined to prioritize dialogue and respect for sovereignty as the foundation of their relationship. The establishment of free trade economic zones near the border regions also symbolizes a commitment to enhancing their economic ties. As they move forward, Pakistan and Iran must continue to engage in open and transparent communication to build trust and maintain peace in the region.
