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
Pakistan engages Saudi Arabia, China in bid to ease surging Middle East tensions
- Pakistan’s foreign minister stresses need for de-escalation in conversations with Chinese, Saudi counterparts
- Tensions in the Middle East continue to remain high as conflict between US, Israel and Iran intensifies
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and China on Tuesday, stressing the importance of diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East as the Iran war intensifies.
Pakistan has constantly engaged regional countries in efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East, after the US and Isreal launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
Iran launched fresh attacks on Gulf countries on Tuesday morning, where it has targeted US military bases in recent weeks. In addition to firing missiles and drones at Israel and American bases in the region, Iran has also been targeting energy infrastructure which, combined with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, has sent oil prices soaring worldwide.
Dar spoke to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss developments in the Middle East and ongoing deliberations at the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s foreign office said in a statement.
“DPM/FM shared Pakistan’s perspective, underscoring the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support de-escalation and promote peace and stability across the region and beyond,” the statement said.
Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi over the telephone separately. The two discussed the evolving regional situation and broader global developments.
Dar underscored the need to ease tensions in the Middle East and the wider region during the conversation, the foreign office said.
Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and stability in the region, it added.
“The two leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation and emphasized the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter,” the foreign office’s statement said.
The conflict in the Middle East has hit Pakistan hard as well, forcing Islamabad to hike petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per liter last Friday.
Pakistan’s government has also announced a set of austerity measures, which include closing schools and cutting down on government expenditures, as it evaluates petrol stocks and looks for alternative supply routes.
