Iran Pakistan Conflict: Iran's foreign minister visits Pakistan to ease tension

Iran Pakistan Conflict: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad on Monday at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani, amid strained relations following recent tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries.

Upon landing at Nur Khan airbase, Abdollahian was received by Pakistan's Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, Rahim Hayat Qureshi.

During his visit, Abdollahian will hold in-depth discussions with Jilani and Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar to get relations back on track.

Foreign Minister of Iran @Amirabdolahian has arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Foreign Minister @JalilJilani. He was received at the Nur Khan airbase by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) @RahimHayat.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Abdollahian… pic.twitter.com/97dNxXwmxE

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 28, 2024

On 16 January, Tehran launched missile attacks on militant bases in southwestern Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan carried out strikes inside Iran on 18 January.

In a statement, the Pakistan Army said 'terrorist militant organisations', namely the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), were successfully targeted in an intelligence-based operation codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar".

Recently, Pakistan and Iran agreed to de-escalate tensions and enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in an official press release.

Jilani held a phone call with Abdollahian, stressing the territorial integrity of both countries. The ministry stated they desire to work together in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, with respect for each other's sovereignty underpinning this partnership.