UPDATE - Solution to ‘minor irritants’ with Iran lie in dialogue, diplomacy, Pakistan says

CHANGES HEAD, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistan on Friday reaffirmed its stance that a solution to recent “minor irritants” with Iran lies in dialogue and diplomacy.

After the two neighbors launched airstrikes against "terrorists" in each other’s territory, Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), which advises the government on security and foreign affairs, met caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar in the capital Islamabad to review the current security situation.

"During the meeting, participants were briefed about political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region," said a statement by the prime minister's office.

On Thursday, Pakistan said it undertook a series of "highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes" against “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, killing a number of terrorists.

The move came after Iran on Tuesday launched attacks in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad.

Pakistan also recalled its ambassador and suspended high-level visits with Tehran.

The NSC praised the country's armed forces' "professional" response against "unprovoked and unlawful violation" of Pakistan's sovereignty.

Islamabad's statement came after the two nations were embroiled in diplomatic tensions following "unprovoked" cross-border air strikes inside Pakistan by Iran on Tuesday.

Pakistan launched counter strikes early Thursday but insists it wants a solution through dialogue.

The NSC was also briefed on the situation along the South Asian nation's borders and the preparations needed to comprehensively respond to any further violation of national sovereignty.

"The meeting reaffirmed that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan is of paramount importance and no stone will be left unturned to ensure it."

However, the top civil and military officials expressed that there are multiple communication channels existing between Pakistan and Iran and it should be mutually utilized to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability, according to the statement.

"The meeting also concluded that in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations," it said.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Kakar said Pakistan and Iran have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection. He also said it was in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore their relationship to what it was prior to Jan.16.

"In this regard, Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side," said Kakar.

- Top Pakistan, Iran diplomats speak over phone

Earlier on Friday, the top diplomats of Pakistan and Iran agreed to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and told him that his country is ready to work with Iran.

Jilani stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin this cooperation, while the two officials also discussed the return of their ambassadors to their respective capitals and agreed to de-escalate the situation.

"The two Foreign Ministers agreed that working level cooperation and close coordination on counter terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened," said the ministry in a statement.