ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 – Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said on Friday evening that it is in the interest of both Pakistan and Iran to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was before the recent tension in relations.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday night, Kakar chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the situation after Iran hit Pakistani territory on Tuesday.
The prime minister affirmed that Pakistan is a law-abiding and peace-loving country and it seeks friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors, the statement said.
“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection,” said Kakar, adding that Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry briefed the cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistani soil, including details of the attack and Pakistan’s response, according to the statement.
Earlier Friday evening, Kakar chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss the situation, which was attended by the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, information and finance, chiefs of the Armed Forces and heads of intelligence agencies.
On Friday afternoon, Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and agreed to de-escalate the situation that emerged after strikes by both sides in each other’s territories.
Pakistan on Wednesday accused Iran of violating Pakistan’s airspace after Iran hit some targets near the Pakistan-Iran border inside Pakistan.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s military announced that the country carried out effective strikes against hideouts inside Iran used by “terrorists” responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan. ■
