Pakistan and Iran have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations on range of issues, particularly to tackle the increasing threat of terrorist group ‘ISIS’ in the region.
Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Nasir Khan Janjua during his three-day visit of Iran held talks with his counterpart Ali Shamkhani and other senior Iranian officials to boost cooperation for fighting the common threat posed by ISIS, also known as Daesh. In recent times, violent terrorist group, emerged from Iraq and Syria, has gained strength in neighboring country Afghanistan. According to Afghan officials ISIS was behind number of terrorist activities in the county and has accepted the responsibility of Kabul twin suicide blasts of last month which killed over 80. Pakistan is fighting its own war against terrorism and needs to keep focus that menace of ISIS could not penetrate inside the country from Afghanistan. At such time of urgency, it is good omen that our policy makers are observing the regional developments vigilantly.
It is a welcome move that both countries are agreed on the stance that ISIS is not only a grave threat to the stability of the Muslim countries, but also giving a bad name to Islam. Indeed ISIS is a disgrace to humanity and associating its name with Islam is disgrace to the religion of peace. Nasir Janjua’s visit of Iran holds great importance as both countries have decided to together confront the threat emanating from ISIS. Joint statement also highlighted the need for establishing institutional mechanisms to oversee border security, including setting up of a joint commission, and continuing discussions on joint counter-terrorism efforts for the establishment of peace and security in the region.
Pak-Iran cooperation to confront regional threat from ISIS is a welcome move.