Islamabad
The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday concluded that, in accordance with universal principles governing good neighbourly relations, Pakistan and Iran can address minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy, further strengthening their historic ties.
The tensions escalated earlier in the week when Iran launched a missile strike against what it termed as hardline Sunni Muslim militants in Balochistan’s Pangur district bordering Iran. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan conducted air strikes against separatist militants inside Iranian territory, marking the first such incident since the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88.
Earlier in the day, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani engaged in a crucial diplomatic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, marking a significant turning point in the recent escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Iran.
According to a short statement issued by the foreign office, Jilani expressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Iran, emphasising the importance of mutual trust and cooperation, particularly in the realm of security.
The NSC meeting, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, focused on national security matters, as per a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The forum conducted a comprehensive review of the situation and commended the armed forces of Pakistan for their professional, calibrated, and proportionate response to the unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Participants in the meeting received briefings on political and diplomatic developments affecting the ongoing situation between Pakistan and Iran, discussing their impact on regional security.
