ISLAMABAD: As part of his ongoing visit to Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif met with his counterpart on Wednesday in order to “promote bilateral relations in all areas”, a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad read.
Zarif arrived in Islamabad late on Tuesday evening where he was received by Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in what would be his second trip to the country since the formation of the new government. “FM (foreign minister) Qureshi welcomed Zarif at the MOFA (the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs) today. Detailed discussions on all issues of mutual interest including ways to enhance cooperation took place,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, said.
Prime among the topics discussed was the kidnapping of 14 Iranian security personnel — at the Mirjaveh post, in the Sistan-Balochistan province, along the border with Pakistan — earlier this month. Iranian militant group, Jaish Al-Adl, claimed responsibility for the abduction, adding that border guards were among the officials kidnapped by them.
Iran last week had urged the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran to help with the efforts to rescue the abducted personnel, calling on Islamabad to “use all possible means” to free them.
The foreign office, following the incident on October 10, had said at the time that “both militaries, under a joint mechanism established since last year, are working to ascertain the whereabouts of the Iranian guards. DG MOs from both sides are coordinating actions in this regard”.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, the two countries also touched upon regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan and ways to work together in the wake of the US imposing sanctions on Iran. “It was agreed to continue close consultations through the established multi-pronged mechanism between the two countries,” the statement read.
In recent times, Pakistan has been more concerned about its northwestern border with Afghanistan and eastern border with India. The Balochistan province which is 44 percent of the country’s landmass has been troubled by rebel groups, militants, and notorious smugglers operating within its porous region. The province shares its demarcation line with Iran and Afghanistan. Security has been beefed up to protect all projects under the flagship of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, which is being established in the city of Gwadar.
Iran-Pakistan discuss issue of abducted border guards
Iran-Pakistan discuss issue of abducted border guards
- Foreign Ministers of both countries prioritize release of 14 individuals held by militants
- Islamabad assures Tehran it will leave no stone unturned in maintaining peace along border
Sri Lanka seal gritty T20 win over Pakistan to level series
- In a contest trimmed to 12 overs a side, Sri Lanka scored 160 runs before choking Pakistan to 146-8
- The series saw the visitors clinch the opener by six wickets before rain washed out the second game
Dambulla: Sri Lanka eked out a hard fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 at rain-hit Dambulla on Sunday, easing their batting jitters and squaring the three-match series 1-1.
The series, a warm-up for the T20 World Cup with Pakistan set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with nuclear-armed neighbors India, saw the visitors clinch the opener by six wickets before rain washed out the second game.
“We were a bit worried about our batting and I’m glad we addressed that today,” said Wanindu Hasaranga, who walked away with both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors.
“The bowlers did a good job too. The ball was wet and it wasn’t easy. We tried to bowl wide and slow and asked them to take risks.”
Hasaranga took four wickets in the game and in the process completed 150 wickets in T20Is.
In a contest trimmed to 12 overs a side, Sri Lanka muscled their way to a competitive 160 before choking Pakistan to 146-8.
Having been bowled out inside 20 overs in the series opener, Sri Lanka needed a statement with the bat and duly ticked every box after being put in.
The top order laid the platform and the middle order applied the finishing touches.
Wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis made hay under the Power Play, blasting 30 off 16 balls while Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) kept the scoreboard ticking.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka then swung the momentum decisively, clubbing 34 off just nine deliveries, peppered with five towering sixes.
The sixth-wicket stand between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage produced 52 runs in just 15 balls and proved the turning point, shifting the game firmly Sri Lanka’s way.
Pakistan came out swinging in reply, racing to 50 in just 19 balls with captain Salman Agha hammering 45 off 12 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
But once the field spread, Sri Lanka tightened the screws, applied the choke and forced the asking rate to spiral.
“It was a good game of cricket,” Agha said.
“We conceded too many runs, but our batting effort was good. Unfortunately, we fell short. We know we are going to play all our World Cup games in Sri Lanka and it’s important that we played in similar conditions,” he added.
