Pak, Iran for joint efforts against terrorism

Published February 19, 2014
High level officials, from both sides, met to remove misunderstandings which had developed in the aftermath of abduction of five Iranian border guards on February 6 this month.  — File photo
High level officials, from both sides, met to remove misunderstandings which had developed in the aftermath of abduction of five Iranian border guards on February 6 this month. — File photo

QUETTA: Pakistani and Iranian officials held a meeting on Wednesday underlining the need to make coordinated efforts to curb the menace of terrorism.

High level officials, from both sides, met to remove misunderstandings which had developed in the aftermath of abduction of five Iranian border guards on February 6 this month.

A Sunni militant group, Jaish-al-Adal (Party of Justice) had claimed the responsibility for kidnapping the Iranian guards.

Chief Secretary Balochistan, Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, led the Pakistani delegation whereas Deputy Governor Sistan-Balochistan, Ali Asghar Shikari, represented Iran in the meeting.

Home secretary Balochistan, chief of Balochistan police, chief of FC and other high level officials also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation raised the issue of repeated violation by Iranian border guards near bordering areas i.e. Mashkail, Taftan and other areas.

"Iran has repeatedly fired rockets in Mashkail in recent", an insider of the meeting who requested not to be named told Dawn.com while quoting the Pakistani side.

However, the Iranian delegation complained that there was an infiltration of militants from Pakistan into Iran.

The Iranians claimed that the militant group which had claimed responsibility for kidnapping five border guards was operating in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

The charge was vehemently denied by Pakistani officials.

"We have already ordered law enforcers to carry out a search operation in the bordering area", the Pakistani delegation assured the Iranians.

Iranian Interior Minister, Abdul Raza Rehmani had threatened to carry out operation on Pakistani soil if Iranian guards were not recovered.

Chief Secretary Balochistan, Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad told reporters that the meeting would continue on Thursday as well and both sides were serious in resolving issues related to the Pak-Iran border.

He added Pakistan and Iran had cordial relations and both were determined to boost relations in the future.

Pakistan shares 900 km border in the West with Iran.

Both countries have formed a joint border commission few years back to promote mutual understanding and discuss issues relating to the border.

Strict security measures were put in place during the border commissions meeting at a local hotel.

In addition to policemen, personnel of Frontier Corps were also deployed around the hotel.

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.