Pakistan & Iran agree to improve border security

ISLAMABAD: Iran called for enhanced coordination with Pakistan on Tuesday to strengthen border security and curb cross-border terrorist activities, assuring Pakistani leaders of Iran's commitment to preventing terrorists from using its territory to target Pakistan.

The assurance was given during Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad, where he discussed regional security issues, including the ongoing violence in Palestine, Lebanon, and recent aggression against Iran.

Speaking at a dinner at the Iranian embassy, Mr. Araghchi acknowledged existing "gaps" in Iran-Pakistan border security coordination but emphasized the shared "will and determination" to address these issues.

“We consider terrorism against Pakistan as a threat to Iran as well,” Mr. Araghchi said after meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and army chief Gen Asim Munir.

Mr. Araghchi mentioned in his conversation with Gen Munir, “We are committed to supporting each other in combating terrorism.”

Border security has been a long-standing challenge for Iran and Pakistan due to the rugged and porous terrain along their shared border, which has been a hotspot for drug trafficking, smuggling, and armed group activities.

Mr. Araghchi called for a structured approach to improve coordination, citing links between terrorist threats and Israel's recent aggression in the region.

During a media briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated the mutual commitment to intensified border management and addressing shared security concerns. “We agreed to enhance collaboration on border management and jointly address our security challenges,” he said.

Mr. Araghchi emphasized that security issues in both countries are “externally fuelled,” and both sides will continue counter-terrorism efforts through military, security, and political cooperation.

IP Gas Pipeline Project
Mr. Araghchi also expressed Iran’s willingness to discuss Pakistan's delay in completing the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. He noted “goodwill on both sides” to resolve the matter, although he hinted at external interference, indirectly referencing the role of U.S. sanctions.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s strong stance against Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon, saying that Pakistan’s condemnation of the attack on Iran was among the strongest in the region.

Reflecting on his discussions in Islamabad, Mr. Araghchi expressed optimism about Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause. He also discussed an upcoming joint summit of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expected on November 11 in Riyadh, where Iran hopes for decisive action against Israeli actions in Palestine and Lebanon.

Deputy PM Ishaq Dar affirmed Pakistan's commitment to a unified stance at the summit, stating, “At the upcoming Joint Islamic Summit in Jeddah, we have agreed to present a united approach on the issues driving the summit.”