ISLAMABAD: Islamabad and Tehran on Wednesday called for fighting the common threat posed by the militant Islamic State (IS) group, saying that it not only posed danger to the stability of Muslim countries but was also a disgrace to Islam.

The consensus emerged after meetings between National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua and his Iranian counterpart during the former’s three-day visit to Tehran.

The two sides emphasised the need for unity in the Muslim Ummah and called for early resolution of differences through peaceful means.

A joint statement issued by the office of the National Security Adviser said: “ They (Pakistan and Iran) referred to the need for fighting the common threat posed by IS — which is not only posing a grave threat to the stability of Muslim countries but also giving a bad name to Islam — a religion of peace.”

Islamabad and Tehran decided to hold further discussions on the need for establishing an institutional mechanism to oversee border security and to study the setting up of a joint commission.

The two countries welcomed the recent reciprocal visits by political, economic and military officials, expressing hope that bilateral relations would grow with the passage of time.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of Mr Janjua’s visit to Iran said the two sides discussed counter-terrorism efforts for establishment of peace and security in the region. Nasser Khan Janjua visited Tehran on the invitation of Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani.

He also met Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Adviser to the Supreme Leader on international affairs, Dr Ali Akbar Velayati, and head of the General Staff of the armed forces, Commander Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.

“The talks were held in a spirit of cordiality and friendship. They envisaged a shared vision whereby the two countries would work together for a better future of their people,” the statement said.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2016

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