Pak-Iran diplomatic ties officially restored

The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran have been officially restored with the ambassadors of both the countries restored to their respective positions.

On Jan 16, Iran carried out a missile and drone attack against the armed group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan’s southwestern border province of Balochistan. Pakistan in turn struck armed-group targets inside Iran on Jan 18.

Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran’s envoy – on a visit home – was blocked from returning to Islamabad.

Pakistan and Iran then agreed to “de-escalate” tensions after the attacks raised fears of further instability in the region. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, spoke via phone on Jan 19, the foreign ministry had said in a statement.

The Ambassador of Pakistan, Mudassir Tipu, arrived in Tehran on Friday to take charge of his duties, while the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan will also take charge of his duties on Saturday (today).

The Iranian foreign minister is expected to visit Pakistan on Jan 29. During the visit, he will hold important meetings with the caretaker foreign minister.