ISLAMABAD (Dispatches) – Iranian and Pakistani military chiefs said here Monday the two countries should pursue a serious fight against terrorism to protect sustainable security in common border areas.
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Muhammad Bagheri, who is in Islamabad at the head of a high-ranking military delegation, met with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir.
Bagheri said the two countries have succeeded in making remarkable growth in bilateral consultations, particularly in military and defensive sectors.
He added that “fundamental” measures have been taken to close borders so that traffic between the two countries can be done only through formal crossings.
He pointed to Pakistan’s firm determination to battle the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group, saying coordination in border areas and swift exchange of intelligence would help the two countries conduct swift operations against terrorists.
The top Iranian general welcomed the activation of Iran-Pakistan border markets which will be a step towards ending smuggling and supporting trade activities.
Bagheri also praised Pakistan’s strong stance in opposition to the Israeli regime’s 15 months of genocidal campaign in Gaza.
The Pakistani army chief, for his part, said regional countries, including Iran and Pakistan, should foster unity at the current sensitive juncture.
Munir added that Pakistan would take necessary and swift actions to end terrorist moves on borders, emphasizing that Tehran and Islamabad seek to broaden their understanding in all issues of common concerns.
He criticized the lack of unity among the Muslim countries in the region and said the inaction of the Muslim world has led to the brutal killing of some 50,000 Palestinians, the destruction of their homes, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza.
He expressed concern over terrorist activities in the region, particularly in Iran and Pakistan, and called for the promotion of mutual relations in an attempt to establish endurable security in common borders.
Earlier speaking at the Iranian embassy, Bagheri stressed the need to strongly safeguard border areas between Iran and Pakistan “because the enemies seek to exploit our borders and we need more cooperation and coordination.”
Pointing to the significance of increasing trade and economic exchanges between the two countries, he said a number of border markets have opened and some others will be inaugurated as well.
The top general added that the armed forces of Iran and Pakistan should cooperate more jointly to fight terrorist and separatist groups and improve security.