“After a telephonic discussion between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, a joint statement issued by Tehran and Islamabad announced the mutual decision for the return of ambassadors to their respective posts by January 26, 2024.
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian of the Islamic Republic of Iran is set to visit Pakistan on January 29 upon the invitation of Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.
During this visit, the two nations will deliberate on future actions and devise a new mechanism to prevent the recurrence of events from the previous week.
As mutually agreed;
— Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran- Islamabad (@IraninIslamabad) January 22, 2024
1. Ambassadors of Iran 🇮🇷 & Pakistan 🇵🇰 return to their respective posts by 26 January 2024;
2. H.E. @Amirabdolahian, Hon. FM of the IR Iran will undertake a visit to Pakistan on 29 January, 2024, invitated by H.E @JalilJilani, Hon. FM of IR. Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/NPlKs1R9KY
Despite Pakistan and Iran emphasizing their “friendly and brotherly” relations, underlying issues have led to suspicion in both capitals. A significant concern revolves around the use of each other’s soil by certain terrorist groups. Pakistan has long-standing worries about Baloch terrorist organizations finding refuge in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran. Conversely, Iran has accused anti-Iran militant groups, such as Jaish al-Adl, of having hideouts in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The recent cross-border missile strikes were carried out by Iran, citing the need to target Jaish al-Adl hideouts. In response, Pakistan conducted strikes against what it claimed were sanctuaries of Baloch terrorists, with Iran acknowledging that those killed were not Iranians.
🔊: PR NO. 2️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 22, 2024
Joint Press Statement of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran
🔗⬇️ https://t.co/4ScCGZJKPz pic.twitter.com/7ajcpnkZrz
In the aftermath of these incidents, Pakistan is seeking to collaborate with Iran on a new arrangement to prevent such occurrences in the future. One proposal is to enhance existing mechanisms and deepen intelligence cooperation in the fight against terrorism instead of violating each other’s sovereignty. These suggestions will be discussed during the upcoming engagements between the two countries. Both foreign ministers have spoken twice since the tit-for-tat attacks, expressing a commitment to close cooperation in dealing with the matter.
Pakistan has signaled its intention not to escalate tensions, with the National Security Committee (NSC) characterizing the tit-for-tat attacks as “minor irritants” during its meeting. Iran, too, has toned down its rhetoric, emphasizing adherence to a policy of friendly ties with Islamabad and highlighting that external enemies cannot strain their cooperation.”