The unprecedented deterioration in relations between the two countries, which began with Iran’s cross-border attack on Pakistan, is about to return to normal. Islamabad has announced the re-establishment of full diplomatic ties with Tehran after a series of drone and missile strikes.
Pakistan’s caretaker government Prime Minister Anyarul Haque Kaka made the announcement after an emergency security meeting with army and intelligence chiefs on Friday (January 19).
Islamabad has agreed to return to full diplomatic relations with Tehran. As a result, the ambassadors of Iran and Pakistan assigned to the two countries are going to return to their respective diplomatic missions soon. After the meeting, Kakar said that it is important for the interests of both countries to return to where the relations between Iran and Pakistan were before the recent events. In this regard, Pakistan will welcome every positive step taken by Iran.
The prime minister of Pakistan’s caretaker government said that Iran and Pakistan are two brotherly countries that have historically had friendly relations based on respect and affection. Pakistan is a peaceful and law abiding country. Islamabad believes in friendly and cooperative relations with all countries of the world, especially with neighboring countries. However, there was no immediate comment from Iran on the talks.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a missile attack on Pakistan’s Baluchistan province bordering Iran last Tuesday (January 16). As a result of this incident, the next day, Islamabad withdrew its ambassador from Tehran and banned Iran’s ambassador from Islamabad (on leave) from returning to Pakistan. As a result, the two countries practically severed full diplomatic relations with Iran.
Pakistan’s foreign minister said that Pakistan is ready to work with Iran on all issues based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation. “They also agreed to de-escalate the situation,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said. There was also a discussion about the return of the ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals.
