Pakistan has urged Iran to enhance security measures on its side of the border to prevent movement of terrorists, particularly the Baloch separatists involved in attacking Pakistani security forces in the restive Balochistan province.
Sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that this has been conveyed both at the diplomatic and military level, adding that Iranian side has expressed readiness for cooperation in enhancing coordinated patrolling of the border to check the movement of non-state actors, drug traffickers and smugglers.
"We have a very good understanding with Iran, which is a brotherly neighbouring country, on all issue of mutual concerns, including the illegal movement of drug traffickers, smugglers and non-state actors," an official source said, adding that the two sides frequently exchange views to address each other's concerns.
On Tuesday, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa held telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Maj Gen Bagheri. "COAS expressed concerns at the recent terrorist attack on Pakistani security forces resulting in martyrdom of six security personnel near Pak-Iran border," said Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR).
The two army chiefs spoke following six security personnel of Pakistan paramilitary Frontier Corps, including an Army major, were killed when a roadside bomb struck a patrol vehicle in Balochistan province, close to the border with Iran on May 8, 2020.
"Both commanders resolved to enhance security measures on either side of the border," the ISPR said, adding that COAS also reiterated Pakistan's desire for regional peace and stability on basis of mutual respect, non interference and equality.
It further stated that Army Chief Bajwa said Pakistan had started fencing the border but would require mutual bilateral cooperation to ensure border security and stem smuggling activity which was also used by terrorists and Narco traffickers for covering their movement.
Pakistan shares about 959 kilometres of its border with Iran which is relatively peaceful than its border with Afghanistan. However, separatist elements on both sides launch attacks on security forces which often result in blame game between the two countries.
To prevent the cross border movement of the militants, Pakistan has started fencing certain areas of the border that are believed to be hotspots for movement of the non-state actors, smugglers and drug traffickers.
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