Army chief seeks Iran's cooperation in dealing with militants

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has called for Iran's cooperation in dealing with Baloch militants allegedly operating from Iranian soil.

The Army Chief spoke to Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Army Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, in the wake of the attack on Frontier Corps personnel in the Balida area of ​​Ketch District.

According to the report, six military personnel, including Major Nadeem Bhatti, were martyred in the attack, while the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place 14 km from the Pak-Iran border.

However, there was no initial statement from the ISPR on the talks between the two countries' army chiefs, but a statement was issued later that night.

ISPR said that General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the talks said that Pakistan has started fencing work on the Pak-Iran border, to achieve this goal joint cooperation must be promoted.

The army chief said the fence would help stop the movement of terrorists and smugglers.

According to ISPR, the Army Chief clarified that Pakistan is pursuing a policy of non-interference, Pakistan wants peace and stability in the region on the basis of equality, and stressed the need for more active checkpoints on the border. Have to make

Iran's state news agency, the Islamic Republic Agency (IRNA), reported that the two countries' generals discussed military developments, border security and the Corona virus crisis.

According to Arna's report, General Qamar Javed Bajwa stressed on prevention and security of terrorism on the common borders.

He apprised the Iranian General of the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to prevent unauthorized border movement.

Talking to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, General Baqiri called for co-operation against militants and border security measures to curb terrorist groups and "common enemies" on the borders.

According to Erna's report, the Iranian army chief told General Qamar Javed Bajwa that Iran expects Pakistani military authorities to take decisive steps for the safe release of Iranian border guards.

Iranian border guards are believed to be in the custody of Jaish-e-Adl, an Iranian terrorist organization based in the border areas.

Since November 2018, Pakistan has been assisting Iran in the release of 12 Iranian guards who were abducted in October 2018 near a border post in Mirjava.

It should be noted that there is a 900 km long border between Iran and Pakistan which is full of criminal elements, militants and drug smugglers.

Terrorist groups operating in the border areas have carried out several attacks in the past.

Therefore, border security is a source of concern in the relations between the two countries and due to mistrust between the two countries, terrorist groups are present in the border areas.