- By Kamal Kumar
- Sat, 20 Jan 2024 08:34 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan-Iran Row: After hitting terrorist bases in each other's territories with deadly missile strikes, Iran and Pakistan agreed to de-escalate tensions, Islamabad said on Friday. The tit-for-tat strikes carried out by both nations are the most significant instances of cross-border incursions in recent years.
"The two foreign ministers agreed that working level cooperation and close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened," a summary note of a telephone released by Pakistan noted.
Foreign Minister Jilani expressed Pakistan's readiness to work with Iran on all issues based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation," the statement said. "He underscored the need for closer cooperation on security issues," it stated further.
The statements came following a three-day stand-off between the two countries which erupted after Iran reportedly carried missile strike in Pakistan targeting the Jaish al Adl (JAA) terrorist group, in which Islamabad claimed 2 children died.
On Tuesday, Iran carried out raids on what it described as "terrorist" targets in Pakistan, killing at least two children. Tehran said it had attacked two bases of the Balochi militant group Jaish al Adl in Pakistani territory.
Expressing deep concern about the recent exchange of military strikes between Iran and Pakistan, which caused casualties on both sides, UN chief Antonio Guterres called on the two governments to "exercise maximum restraint"."The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the recent exchange of military strikes between Iran and Pakistan, which have reportedly caused casualties on both sides," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said as quoted by news agency AFP.
Meanwhile, America also responded on the matter as White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States was monitoring the situation "very, very closely" and was in touch with Pakistani officials. "These are two well-armed nations and again we don't want to see an escalation," AFP reported Kirby saying. Matthew Miller, US State Department spokesperson, also echoed his comments urging restraint in the conflict.
"We don't believe this should escalate in any way, shape or form. Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, that will remain the case, but we would urge restraint in this case," he added. On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack into Iraq close to the US Consulate complex in the city of Irbil, as well as into northern Syria targeting the Islamic State organisation.
(With agency inputs)
