ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has called on Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region, a military statement said on Monday.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting featured constructive discussions on the geo-strategic environment, with particular focus on challenges confronted by both countries in the domain of security.
“The Pak-Iran border security mechanism was also reviewed as part of efforts to enhance bilateral coordination,” it added.
The ISPR said the COAS reaffirmed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly neighbours, bound by deep-rooted ties of shared history, culture, and religion.
The statement added that both sides agreed to stay engaged for enhanced bilateral cooperation while jointly working to assist in bringing positive developments in issues concerning the region.
The Iranian Foreign Minister acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir which claimed the lives of 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence.
Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the prevailing tensions in South Asia and India’s provocative behaviour since the Pahalgam incident.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Iran for peace, stability, and development in the region.
The Prime Minister categorically rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence.
He also met with President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed bilateral ties and the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.
President Zardari welcomed the Iranian foreign minister and stressed the significance of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in promoting peace and prosperity in the region, according to a press statement issued by the President House.
Separately Seyed Abbas Araghchi, met with Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, today in Islamabad. Both sides exchanged views on major regional and international developments.
Ishaq Dar shared Pakistan’s serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of India’s provocative behaviour since the Pahalgam incident.
