ISLAMABAD: Iran and Pakistan have taken a firm decision to co-operate with each other to defend their national independence and territorial integrity [a] joint communique said today [May 14]. The communique was issued at the end of a four-day State visit to Iran by President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto during which he had talks with the Shahanshah of Iran.

It said their discussions were marked by complete identity of views arising from an “awareness of identity of interest and their common objectives to promote the cause of peace in the region, and preserve the independence, territorial integrity and security of their countries.”

“They resolved that their countries would resolutely stand by each other in all matters. …,” the communique said. In their review of the situation in the South Asian Subcontinent, the Shahanshah expressed his “appreciation of the sustained efforts being made by Pakistan to promote reconciliation and restoration of normalcy in the Sub-continent with a view to the establishment of durable peace in the region.” In what was taken as a joint rejoinder to the Indo-Bangladesh statement of April 17, Iran and Pakistan called upon India to repatriate over 92,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. … — News agencies

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2023