——- NSC stresses Iran, Pakistan should use existing channels to address security concerns
——- Forum maintains Pakistan, Iran to overcome ‘minor irritants’ through dialogue, diplomacy
——- Adds the safety and security of every Pakistani is crucial
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday concluded that, in accordance with universal principles governing good neighbourly relations, Pakistan and Iran can address minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy, further strengthening their historic ties.
The tensions escalated earlier in the week when Iran launched a missile strike against what it termed as hardline Sunni Muslim militants in Balochistan’s Pangur district bordering Iran. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan conducted air strikes against separatist militants inside Iranian territory, marking the first such incident since the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88.
Earlier in the day, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani engaged in a crucial diplomatic conversa-tion with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, marking a significant turning point in the recent escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Iran. According to a short statement issued by the foreign office, Jilani expressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Iran, emphasising the importance of mutual trust and cooperation, par-ticularly in the realm of security.
The NSC meeting, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, focused on national secu-rity matters, as per a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The forum conducted a comprehensive review of the situation and commended the armed forces of Pakistan for their professional, calibrated, and proportionate response to the unprovoked and unlaw-ful violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Participants in the meeting received briefings on political and diplomatic developments affecting the ongoing situation between Pakistan and Iran, discussing their impact on regional security. The forum also evaluated ‘Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ successfully executed against Baloch terrorists of Paki-stani origin residing in ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
An update on the border situation and the comprehensive preparations made to respond to any fur-ther violation of national sovereignty were also discussed.
The NSC reiterated an unwavering commitment to the absolute inviolability and sanctity of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting emphasised that any attempt to breach it, on any pretext, would be met with the full might of the state.
Ensuring the security and safety of the people of Pakistan was declared paramount, and the state would spare no effort to guarantee it.
Recognising Iran as a neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country, the forum urged the utilisation of ex-isting communication channels between the two nations to address mutual security concerns for the larger interest of regional peace and stability.
The meeting underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the UN Charter and international norms. The committee reiterated its resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with an iron hand, emphasising that Pa-kistan has endured more than any other country due to this scourge.
In line with universal principles governing good neighbourly relations, the NSC expressed confidence that through dialogue and diplomacy, both countries could overcome minor irritants and further deepen their historic relations.
The meeting was attended by the Caretaker Ministers for Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and In-formation, along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, as well as heads of intelligence agencies.
Following the NSC meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the Caretaker Federal Cabinet with a comprehensive briefing on the aftermath of the Iranian attack on Pakistan on January 16.
In a session of the Federal Cabinet convened today, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, details of the attack and Pakistan’s response were shared, said a PM Office statement.
The Cabinet commended the high professionalism demonstrated by the Pakistan Armed Forces in re-sponding to the breach of the country’s sovereignty, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the entire government machinery.
Addressing the federal cabinet, the prime minister emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to being a law-abiding and peace-loving nation, seeking amicable relations with all countries, especially its neigh-bours. He underscored the historically fraternal and cooperative relationship between Pakistan and Iran, characterised by mutual respect and affection.
The prime minister expressed that restoring the relationship to its pre-January 16, 2024 state was in the best interest of both nations.
In this context, Prime Minister Kakar conveyed Pakistan’s willingness to welcome and reciprocate any positive measures from the Iranian side.
