Prime Minister Kakar expresses the desire for Iran and Pakistan to restore their relationship to its status before January 16.

On Friday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasized the mutual interest of Iran and Pakistan in taking measures to return their relationship to the levels preceding Tehran's violation of Pakistan's airspace

Iran conducted attacks in Pakistan on Tuesday, targeting alleged bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, as reported by Iranian state media. This action led to strong condemnation from Islamabad and a subsequent downgrade in diplomatic ties.

These Iranian strikes were part of a series of recent attacks in Syria and Iraq, serving as a response to terrorist incidents on Iranian soil. The events have raised concerns about regional stability, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The following day, Pakistan conducted an intelligence-based operation code-named ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ targeting hideouts used by terrorist organizations, namely the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. The operation was a response to Iran’s missile attacks. Iran’s IRNA news agency reported nine casualties in the attack on a village in the city of Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stating that all the deceased were foreign nationals.

In reaction to Pakistan’s retaliatory strike, Prime Minister Kakar, attending the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland, decided to cut short his visit. Iran condemned the strikes and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to seek an explanation, according to a statement by foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani. However, a subsequent press release from the Iranian foreign ministry expressed commitment to maintaining good neighborly relations with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement, indicating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the caretaker federal cabinet on the situation arising from Tuesday’s attack, providing details and outlining Pakistan’s response.

https://twitter.com/PTVNewsOfficial/status/1748386069635309605

PM Kakar emphasized the mutual interest of both countries in restoring the relationship to its pre-January 16 state. He expressed Pakistan's willingness to welcome and reciprocate positive measures from Iran in this regard. Kakar highlighted the historical fraternal and cooperative relations between Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing their status as two brotherly nations marked by respect and affection.

Additionally, he underscored Pakistan's commitment as a law-abiding and peace-loving country, seeking friendly and cooperative relations, especially with its neighbors. The Prime Minister commended the high professionalism displayed by the Pakistan armed forces in responding to the breach of sovereignty and acknowledged the unified effort of the entire government machinery in this matter, as stated in the PMO statement.

The National Security Committee meeting emphasized the importance of engagement to address concerns.

The National Security Committee (NSC) held an emergency meeting today, chaired by PM Kakar and attended by interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, federal ministers, and all military services chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir.

The state-run agency Pakistan Television News posted a statement on social media, indicating that the forum conducted a comprehensive review of the situation. It commended the armed forces for their professional, calibrated, and proportionate response to the unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.

During the meeting, participants recognized Iran as a neighborly and brotherly Muslim country. They emphasized the use of existing communication channels to address each other's security concerns for the larger interest of regional peace and stability.

Members were briefed on political and diplomatic developments affecting the situation between Pakistan and Iran, considering the impact on regional security. The forum discussed Pakistan's retaliatory response against Baloch terrorists residing in ungoverned spaces inside Iran.

The statement highlighted the update on border situations and the preparations made to respond comprehensively to any further violation of national sovereignty. The NSC reaffirmed an unyielding resolve to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, pledging a robust response to any breach.

Emphasizing the paramount importance of the security and safety of Pakistan's people, the participants stressed the commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the UN charter and international norms.

The NSC members reiterated their determination to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations with an iron hand, noting Pakistan's significant suffering from this scourge. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on overcoming minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way to deepen historic relations between the two countries.