ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have been quietly working to evolve new mechanism preventing recurrence of events of last week that for moment jeopardise their longstanding relationship.

Official sources told  that two countries might have agreed to de-escalate tensions but were aware of rupture tit-for-tat missile attacks caused to bilateral ties.

Pakistan is busy assessing situation and trying to find answers as to what prompted Iran to conduct missile strikes. One source said that two countries were pulled from brink, but it would take some time before bilateral ties were put on track. Key concern is how crisis would shape future ties between two countries.  

It would be an understatement to say that Iranian missile strikes put bilateral ties at stake, source added.

According to sources, Pakistan is carefully analysing situation to understand long-term implications of crisis that was dealt with quickly as far as de-escalation was concerned.  Pakistan and Iran may often boast about “Friendly and brotherly” relations but underneath does exist certain issues that cause suspicion in both capitals.

At heart of problem are concerns both sides often expressed privately about use of each other’s soil by certain terrorist groups.  Pakistan has longstanding concerns that Baloch terrorist outfits find refuge across border in Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran. Tehran on other hand pointed finger at anti-Iran militant groups such as Jaish al-Adl having hideouts in Balochistan province in Pakistan.

In aftermath of tit-for-tat attacks, Pakistan is keen to work with Iran on new arrangement that prevents such incidents in future.  Iran too, after Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes, toned down its rhetoric.

Tehran stressed that it was adhering to policy of friendly ties with Islamabad and that no external enemies could strain their cooperation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 22 2024

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