{"id":49926,"date":"2024-01-19T17:37:53","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T17:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/iran-pakistans-interest-in-restoring-relationship-to-pre-jan-16-status-pm-kakar\/"},"modified":"2024-01-19T17:37:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T17:37:53","slug":"iran-pakistans-interest-in-restoring-relationship-to-pre-jan-16-status-pm-kakar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/iran-pakistans-interest-in-restoring-relationship-to-pre-jan-16-status-pm-kakar\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran, Pakistan\u2019s interest in restoring relationship to pre-Jan 16 status: PM Kakar"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<p>Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday said that it was in the interest of both Iran and Pakistan to take steps to restore their relationship to the levels before Tehran violated the country\u2019s airspace.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, Iran had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/1806351\/pakistan-strongly-condemns-violation-of-airspace-by-iran-killing-2-children-foreign-office\">laun\u00adched attacks<\/a> in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian state media reported, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/1806686\/tehran-ties-downgraded-in-wake-of-cross-border-attack\">downgrading<\/a> of diplomatic ties.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian strikes were part of a series of attacks carried out by Iran in recent days in Syria and Iraq as a response to recent terrorist attacks on its territory. They have heightened concerns about regional stability, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"media  sm:w-1\/2  w-full  media--right  media--embed  media--uneven\">\n<p>    <iframe class=\"nk-iframe\" onload=\"setInterval(()=&gt;{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)\" width=\"100%\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"height:400px;position:relative\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/card\/1806777\" sandbox=\"allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The next day, Pakistan struck \u201chideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)\u201d in Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province, in an intelligence-based operation codenamed \u2018Marg Bar Sarmachar\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s <em>IRNA<\/em> news agency had <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/IrnaEnglish\/status\/1747901421347852615\">reported<\/a> that nine people were killed in the attack targeting a village in the city of Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi saying all the dead \u201cwere foreign nationals\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Following Pakistan\u2019s tit-for-tat response to Iran\u2019s missile attack, PM Kakar, who was in Switzerland for the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), decided to cut short his visit.<\/p>\n<p>Iran had condemned the strikes, and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/en.mfa.gov.ir\/portal\/newsview\/738535\">summoned<\/a> Pakistan\u2019s charge d\u2019affaires \u201cto protest and request an explanation from the Pakistani government\u201d, a statement by foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had said. However, the Iranian foreign ministry later said in a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/en.mfa.gov.ir\/portal\/newsview\/738537\">press release<\/a> that it was committed to good neighbourly relations with Pakistan.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"media  sm:w-1\/2  w-full  media--right  media--embed  media--uneven\">\n<p>    <iframe class=\"nk-iframe\" onload=\"setInterval(()=&gt;{try{this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px';}catch{}}, 100)\" width=\"100%\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"height:400px;position:relative\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/card\/1807048\" sandbox=\"allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>A statement issued by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the caretaker federal cabinet today about the situation arising from Tuesday\u2019s attack such as its details and Pakistan\u2019s response.<\/p>\n<p>PM Kakar said that it was \u201cin the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to Jan 16.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The premier added that Pakistan would \u201cwelcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side\u201d in the above regard.<\/p>\n<p>He said Pakistan and Iran were \u201ctwo brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kakar added that Pakistan was a \u201claw-abiding and peace-loving country\u201d which sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbours.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe cabinet lauded the high professionalism with which the Pakistan armed forces responded to the breach of Pakistan\u2019s sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in this regard,\u201d the PMO statement said.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"nsc-moot-stresses-engagement-to-address-concerns\" href=\"#nsc-moot-stresses-engagement-to-address-concerns\" class=\"heading-permalink\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"Permalink\"\/>NSC moot stresses engagement to address concerns<\/h2>\n<p>Separately, the National Security Committee (NSC) convened an emergency meeting today to deliberate on matters of national security.<\/p>\n<p>PM Kakar chaired the high-level moot with interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, federal ministers and all the military services chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir, in attendance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe forum undertook a wholesome review of the situation and lauded the professional, calibrated and proportionate response by the armed forces of Pakistan against unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan\u2019s sovereignty,\u201d said a statement posted by state-run agency Pakistan Television News on social media platform X.<\/p>\n<p>It added that the high-level moot\u2019s participants expressed that as Iran was a \u201cneighbourly and brotherly Muslim country\u201d, existing multiple communication channels between it and Pakistan should be mutually utilised to address each other\u2019s security concerns in the \u201clarger interest of regional peace and stability\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The meeting\u2019s members were briefed about the political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region.<\/p>\n<p>The forum also took stock of Pakistan\u2019s retaliatory response which was \u201csuccessfully executed against Pakistani-originated Baloch terrorists residing on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The statement added that an update on the situation along the borders and the \u201cnecessary full preparations done to comprehensively respond to any further violation of national sovereignty\u201d were also deliberated about.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable and sacrosanct and any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with full might of the state.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe meeting reaffirmed that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan is of paramount importance and no stone will be left unturned to ensure it,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n<p>It further said that the participants stressed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the UN charter and international norms.<\/p>\n<p>The NSC members also reiterated the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, \u201cwith an iron hand\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cForum also highlighted that Pakistan has suffered far more than any other country due to this scourge of terrorism. The meeting also concluded that in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"fms-agree-to-de-escalate-situation-strengthen-coordination-to-counter-terrorism\" href=\"#fms-agree-to-de-escalate-situation-strengthen-coordination-to-counter-terrorism\" class=\"heading-permalink\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"Permalink\"\/>FMs agree to \u2018de-escalate\u2019 situation, strengthen coordination to counter terrorism<\/h2>\n<p>Earlier today, the top diplomats of both countries expressed the desire to work \u201cbased on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation\u201d and agreed to \u201cde-escalate the situation\u201d and strengthen coordination on counter-terrorism.<\/p>\n<p>The development came during a telephonic conversation between FM Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said in a statement issued today.<\/p>\n<p>According to the FO <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Ip2p8w9jiI\">statement<\/a>, the foreign minister spoke to the Iranian FM and underscored the \u201cclose brotherly relations\u201d between Pakistan and Iran. He expressed Pakistan\u2019s desire to \u201cwork with Iran based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe foreign minister stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin this cooperation,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe two foreign ministers agreed that working level cooperation and<br \/>\nclose coordination on counterterrorism and other aspects of mutual<br \/>\nconcern should be strengthened. They also agreed to de-escalate the<br \/>\nsituation,\u201d the FO said.<\/p>\n<p>The return of ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals was also discussed, it added.<\/p>\n<p>In a separate statement earlier, the FO said FM Jilani expressed Pakistan\u2019s readiness to work with Iran on all issues and underscored the need for closer cooperation on security issues.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian embassy in Islamabad said the two top diplomats had \u201ca very good phone talk to restore relations to a high level.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, director general of West Asia at Iran\u2019s foreign ministry, hoped that a \u201cnew record\u201d in de-escalation could be set between the two countries by the return of ambassadors to capitals and mutual visits of the foreign ministers.<\/p>\n<p>Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Pakistan\u2019s additional secretary for West Asia, appreciated Mousavi and Iran\u2019s embassy for \u201cthe constructive efforts made for the early de-escalation\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe look forward to many high-level engagements in the future,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam said his country was \u201cfully committed to the territorial integrity\u201d of Pakistan.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"jilani-turkish-counterpart-discuss-pak-iran-tensions\" href=\"#jilani-turkish-counterpart-discuss-pak-iran-tensions\" class=\"heading-permalink\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"Permalink\"\/>Jilani, Turkish counterpart discuss Pak-Iran tensions<\/h2>\n<p>Also today, FM Jilani and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, discussed the \u201congoing developments between Pakistan and Iran\u201d, the FO said.<\/p>\n<p>The statement said Jilani shared Pakistan\u2019s perspective and the \u201crecent developments\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe stated that Pakistan\u2019s Operation \u2018<em>Marg Bar Sarmachar<\/em>\u2019 was aimed at terrorist camps inside Iran and that Pakistan has no interest or desire in escalation,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"bla-blf-hideouts-targeted-in-precision-strikes-ispr\" href=\"#bla-blf-hideouts-targeted-in-precision-strikes-ispr\" class=\"heading-permalink\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"Permalink\"\/>BLA, BLF hideouts targeted in \u2018precision strikes\u2019: ISPR<\/h2>\n<p>The ISPR on Thursday had said hideouts used by BLA and BLF were successfully struck in the military operation, adding that \u201cprecision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons\u201d while maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe targeted hideouts were being used by notorious terrorists including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham and Wazir alias Wazi, amongst others,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistan citizens against acts of terrorism,\u201d the army\u2019s media wing stated.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur resolve to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is respected and safeguarded against any misadventure, remains unwavering. We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n<p><figure class=\"media  sm:w-1\/2  w-full  media--right    media--uneven  media--stretch\"><figcaption class=\"media__caption  \">The map shows the location of Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province bordering Pakistan. \u2014 AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>The ISPR added that \u201cdialogue and cooperation\u201d was deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two brotherly countries.<\/p>\n<p>Initially, <em>IRNA<\/em> reported three women and four children were killed in blasts. It later updated the death toll to nine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTwo men were also killed in the missile attack this morning in one of the border villages of Saravan, bringing the death toll to nine,\u201d the news agency said quoting Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor of the Sistan-Baluchestan province.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"strikes-sole-objective-pakistans-security-fo\" href=\"#strikes-sole-objective-pakistans-security-fo\" class=\"heading-permalink\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"Permalink\"\/>Strikes\u2019 \u2018sole objective\u2019 Pakistan\u2019s security: FO<\/h2>\n<p>The FO had said Pakistan undertook a series of \u201chighly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes\u201d against terrorist hideouts in Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOver the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves <em>Sarmachars<\/em> on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists,\u201d it had said in a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/mofa.gov.pk\/press-releases\/pakistans-strong-condemnation-of-the-unprovoked-violation-of-its-air-space\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called <em>Sarmachars<\/em> continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning\u2019s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called <em>Sarmachars<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><figure class=\"media  sm:w-1\/2  w-full  media--right  \"><figcaption class=\"media__caption  \">The image shows smoke billowing in Iran\u2019s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan on January 18. \u2014 Photo courtesy <em>IRNA<\/em> news agency<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,\u201d the FO had said.<\/p>\n<p>The statement had stressed that Pakistan \u201cfully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran\u201d, adding \u201cthe sole objective of today\u2019s act was in pursuit of Pakistan\u2019s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavour to find joint solutions,\u201d it had concluded.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><em>Additional input from AFP.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday said that it was in the interest of both Iran and Pakistan to take steps to restore their relationship to the levels before Tehran violated the country\u2019s airspace. On Tuesday, Iran had laun\u00adched attacks in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":49927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/i.dawn.com\/large\/2024\/01\/192219054502dd2.jpg?r=223359","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pakistan"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49926"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49926\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}