Mending fences: Pak-Iran relations thaw as minister plans visit

Iran interior minister’s visit precedes PM’s trip to Tehran.

ISLAMABAD:

Iran’s Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli is due to visit Pakistan later this month as part of efforts from the two countries to remove ‘irritants’ in their ties following recent incidents at the Pak-Iran border, such as the abduction of Iranian guards. A government official confirmed to The Express Tribune that the Iranian minister will arrive in the capital ahead of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Tehran later this month.

The official, who asked to remain anonymous, said the Iranian interior minister would hold formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali on key issues including strengthening border security.

Tensions between Pakistan and Iran flared up recently following the abduction of five Iranian border guards in February. Four of the five abducted border guards were released by militant outfit Jaishul Adal in April. Iran claimed the guards were taken into Pakistan and threatened to send troops over to retrieve them.

However, both sides are apparently seeking to defuse any resultant tension as this week the PM’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz travelled to Tehran to deliver a letter to the Iranian President on behalf of Nawaz Sharif. According to the foreign ministry, Aziz conveyed a message of friendship, brotherhood, harmony and cooperation from the PM to Dr Hassan Rowhani. He underscored Pakistan’s desire to strengthen relations with Iran in all areas of bilateral cooperation and particularly in political, security and trade domains.

This will be the first visit by a senior Iranian official following a flurry of high-level visits from Saudi Arabia, which is believed to have been seeking Pakistan’s help on the issue of the Syrian crisis. Iran is said to be upset over a warming of ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, Islamabad appears to be trying to dispel that impression.

The foreign office said Pakistan and Iran enjoy close brotherly relations, characterized by bonds of affinity, mutual respect and solidarity, and draw strength from shared historical, cultural and Islamic values.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2014.