Pak-Iran agree on intelligence cooperation following border unrest

Published October 22, 2014
This picture shows an Iranian border guard looking through a pair of binoculars to monitor a border area. — File photo/AFP
This picture shows an Iranian border guard looking through a pair of binoculars to monitor a border area. — File photo/AFP

QUETTA: Pakistani and Iranian officials met in Tehran on Wednesday where the two sides agreed on intelligence cooperation at the porous border between the neighbouring countries.

"The two sides agreed to boost intelligence cooperation with regard to border security," said Khan Wasey, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps. "Cooperation between the two countries in battling terrorists is indispensable," he added.

The meeting was between Inspector General FC Balochistan Major General Ejaz Shahid and Iranian border force's chief General Qasim Razai, Wasay said, adding that it took place in the Iranian capital and was aimed at discussing ways and means to end border skirmishes.

The meeting was called in the wake of the recent flare up at the 900 kilometre border and with the objective of avoiding any untoward incidents in future on its agenda.

Also read: Pakistan lodges protest with Iran over killing of soldier at border

On Oct 18, around 30 Iranian border guards had stormed inside Pakistan and taken the residents of Nokundi, a Pakistani town bordering Iran, hostage. They had attacked and killed an FC soldier and injured three others in the Mand Tehsil of Balochistan's Kech district.

The two countries have decided to ensure effective coordination to avoid any misunderstandings. They also agreed that they cannot afford tension at the border and must make maximum efforts to ease the unrest.

Also read: Iran summons Pakistani ambassador over border killings

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Balochistan Akbar Hussain Durrani told Dawn that a joint border commission's meeting between Pakistan and Iran was scheduled to be held in Tehran on Nov 9 and 10. He said the officials of the two countries would participate in the meeting to discuss issues relating to the border.

The two countries have also formed a joint border commission with an objective to discuss issues pertaining to territorial violations. Earlier this year, the joint border commission's meeting was held in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.

Explore: Tensions on Pak-Iran border

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...