Pak-Iran agree on intelligence cooperation following border unrest
16
QUETTA: Pakistani and Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday where the two sides agreed on intelligence cooperation at the porous border between the neighbouring countries.
"The two sides agreed to boost intelligence cooperation with regard to border security," said Khan Wasey, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps. "Cooperation between the two countries in battling terrorists is indispensable," he added.
The meeting was between Inspector General FC Balochistan Major General Ejaz Shahid and Iranian border force's chief General Qasim Razai, Wasay said, adding that it took place in the Iranian capital and was aimed at discussing ways and means to end border skirmishes.
The meeting was called in the wake of the recent flare up at the 900 kilometre border and with the objective of avoiding any untoward incidents in future on its agenda.
Also read: Pakistan lodges protest with Iran over killing of soldier at border
On Oct 18, around 30 Iranian border guards had stormed inside Pakistan and taken the residents of Nokundi, a Pakistani town bordering Iran, hostage. They had attacked and killed an FC soldier and injured three others in the Mand Tehsil of Balochistan's Kech district.
The two countries have decided to ensure effective coordination to avoid any misunderstandings. They also agreed that they cannot afford tension at the border and must make maximum efforts to ease the unrest.
Also read: Iran summons Pakistani ambassador over border killings
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Balochistan Akbar Hussain Durrani told Dawn that a joint border commission's meeting between Pakistan and Iran was scheduled to be held in Tehran on Nov 9 and 10. He said the officials of the two countries would participate in the meeting to discuss issues relating to the border.
The two countries have also formed a joint border commission with an objective to discuss issues pertaining to territorial violations. Earlier this year, the joint border commission's meeting was held in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.
Explore: Tensions on Pak-Iran border
