Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance the mutual defense cooperation to tackle terrorism--what they called the “common enemy”-- and stressed taking a unified approach on Afghanistan where the Taliban has seized power two months back, raising fear of spillover of extremism and radical elements in the region. 

“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries and our close cooperation is vital for regional peace and stability,” Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was quoted by the ISPR as saying after his meeting with visiting chief of Iranian armed forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

Bagheri, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, reached Pakistan on Wednesday along with a delegation of senior security officials. Both Bajwa and Bagheri also held a one-on-one meeting.  During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues, including the Afghanistan situation, regional security, and border management particularly fencing along the Pak-Iran border.

According to the statement released by ISPR, the Pakistan Army's publicity wing, the Iranian general expressed the desire to increase military-military ties, particularly in counter-terrorism and training domains. 

The visit came at a time when concerns have been growing in Tehran over the situation in Afghanistan. Iran, which enjoyed tactical relations with the Taliban and even supported the group, was taken aback by the way the Taliban formed their government. 

Earlier, Tehran had called for the formation of an inclusive government, ensuring adequate representation of all ethnic groups and leaders belonging to the erstwhile government. Interestingly, days after the Taliban stormed Kabul, Iran, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, had warned Afghanistan’s neighbors against interference in Afghanistan. 

On Wednesday, the Iranian general also met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan who said both countries have a direct stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan. 

(SAM)