- COAS seeks the anti-terror efforts along the border
- Islamabad, Tehran agree to form JWG to strengthen bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Monday agreed to take further practical steps to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation along the border with Pak, Iran and form joint working groups (JWGs) to help bilateral cement trade and regulate frontier markets.
The development comes as strongly relieved Pakistan with Iran on use of Iranian soil against Pakistan and assistance, training and funds provided to Baloch terrorists by Iranian elements who mount bindings on Pakistani security forces and take refuge in The border areas with Iran near Balochistan.
During high-level meetings held here with stressed the Iranian interior minister in visit, Dr. Ahmad Vahidi, Prime Minister Imran Khan on early completion and operation of border livelihood markets for economic elevation of people life on both of Border between Pakistan and Iran.
Speaking with Dr. Vahidi who called on the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, stressed its importance of close bilateral cooperation to strengthen trade and regional connectivity.
Khan expressed satisfaction over positive momentum in brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and said there is vast potential for enhanced collaboration in different fields.
Pointing out that the Pakistan-Iran border is a border of pace and friendship, the prime minister stressed the importance of joint cooperation to address security issues. He thanked the Iranian government and the supreme leader for constant support for the just resolution of the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister satisfaction expressed over convergence of opinions on a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and stressed its importance of close coordination between the two countries.
He stressed the need for urgent interventions by the international community to prevent the humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan and measures to strengthen practical engagement, strengthen stability and counter terrorism.
The Iranian interior minister gave cordial greetings of Iranian leadership al prime minister and reaffirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations in all aspects.
COAS urges efforts to deny space or the action of criminals along the Pakistan-Iran border
In the meantime, boss of Army General of Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa stressed the need put in collective efforts to deny any space or freedom of action to be exploited by criminals along the border between Pakistan and Iran.
The army chief said this in speaking with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi who long with a delegation visited the headquarters (GHQ), said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a declaration on Monday.
According to the ISPR, geostrategic environmentin particular the regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in defense and security, were discussed at the meeting. Pakistan-Iran border security mechanism, including border markets also entered in discussion, added the military’S media wing.
COAS said that enhanced cooperation between the two fraternal neighbors is crucial for pace and stability in the region. Define the border between Pakistan and Iran of pace and friendship, highlighted the COAS need put in collective efforts to deny any space or freedom of action to be exploited by criminals along the border.
The dignitary in visit, while acknowledging stability in Afghanistan as a collective regional responsibility, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for pace and stability, in particular the humanitarian assistance provided to mitigate challenges faced from people of Afghanistan.
Pak, Iran to form JWG to consolidate bilateral ties
Before in that day, Pakistan and Iran agreed to form joint working groups (GJGs) to strengthen bilateral relations. The agreement was reached in a joint statement issued after the meeting of an Iranian delegation in nine-member visit led by Interior Minister Dr. Ahmad Vahidi with Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.
The two sides agreed set up markets on Pakistan-Iran borders and increase the number of border terminals. The two parts also exchanged opinions on completing fencing work on as soon as possible the border between Pakistan and Iran.
It was agreed that the territory of Pakistan and Iran should not be used for terrorist activities against each other. The meeting also discussed the regional security situation, the looming humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan and other important issues.
It also discussed prisoner exchanges and facilitation of pilgrims. The ways to prevent illegal human immigration and drug trafficking were also discussed during the meeting.
For the occasion, the Iranian interior minister strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said his country considers terrorist attack on Pakistan as a attack on Iran. The Iranian minister he said Pakistan and Iran have long-lasting historical ties.
For his part, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed thanked Iran for supporting The position of Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by Indians. Said the recent increase in terrorist incidents are deplorable and joint cooperation is needed to put an end to them.
Rasheed said the international community should help the afghan people as severe shortage of resources could lead to a humanitarian crisis in that country. He said Pakistan would continue to do so play it’s positive role for pace lasting in the region and well-being of Afghan people.
