Pakistan assures Iran of cooperation in Iranian guards' abduction
By Trend
Pakistan assured Iran of full cooperation to trace the fate of the border forces of Iran, who had been abducted by terrorists at the border crossing point in Mirjaveh, IRNA reports.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said at his
weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday that Foreign Minister
of Iran Javad Zarif had called Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah
Mahmood Qureshi to discuss the situation arising following the
abduction of Iranian guards near the Pakistan-Iran border point of
Mirjaveh, on October 16, 2018.
He said FM Qureshi briefed Mr. Zarif about the active efforts
launched by the Pakistan law enforcement agencies to ascertain the
whereabouts of the missing Iranian guards, in coordination with the
Iranian military and intelligence counterparts.
“It was noted that the two Directors General (Military Operations)
were in close contact through hotline to coordinate the search and
rescue efforts, including enhanced air surveillance and troops
deployment in the border area where the incident took place,” he
said.
He said: Foreign Minister Qureshi said that such incidents are the
handy work of our common enemies unhappy with the existing close,
friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
“Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment of not allowing anyone succeed
in such malicious efforts, Mr. Qureshi noted that Pakistan and Iran
have traditionally shared a ‘border of peace and friendship’ which
would be maintained in the same spirit,” said the spokesperson.
He said that during the conversation Javad Zarif underscored Iran’s
desire to overcome all hurdles jointly with Pakistan in maintaining
complete peace along the Pak-Iran border.
Jaish al-Adl, terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the
act.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal replying to a
question said that Pakistan wants all countries to uphold Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He said that options other
than dialogue will not be successful on the matter.
To another question, he said Pakistan authorities are in touch with
the authorities in Iran and Iraq to help facilitate pilgrims. He
added that Pakistan authorities are working closely with Iraqi
authorities to resolve the visa issue.
He said that there is no military solution to the conflict in
Afghanistan and the most viable way forward is an Afghan led and
Afghan owned peace process.
He said Pakistan welcomes efforts for negotiated settlement and
will extend all possible support in this regard.
“Pakistan wishes to see peace and stability in Afghanistan which is
an important neighboring and brotherly country,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan is fencing its border with
Afghanistan to check movement of undesirable elements. He said
Afghanistan also needs to take similar steps.
The official added that CASA-1000 and other energy gas pipelines
projects are win-win projects involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and
other partner countries. He noted these projects will bring shared
prosperity and economic development in the region.
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