The National Security Committee said on Friday that Pakistan and Iran could mutually overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy after both countries exchanged drone and missile strikes on militant bases on each other’s territory.

“In line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the NSC meeting that lasted for more than two hours.

Top civilian and military leaders met in Islamabad to review the situation after the neighbours carried out drone and missile strikes on militant bases on each other’s territory.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar presided over the NSC meeting, with all the military services chiefs in attendance.

The forum undertook a wholesome review of the situation and lauded the response by the armed forces of Pakistan against violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Officials briefed the participants about political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the situation between Pakistan and Iran and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region.

“The forum also took stock of the ‘Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar’, which was executed against Pakistani originated Baloch terrorists residing on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran,” it said and added that an update on the situation along the borders and necessary preparations done to comprehensively respond to any further violation of national sovereignty was also deliberated about.

“Sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable and sacrosanct and any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with full might of the state,” it said “the security and safety of the people of Pakistan is of paramount importance and no stone will be left unturned to ensure it.”

The high-level committee expressed that existing multiple communication channels between Iran and Pakistan should be mutually utilised to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.

The forum impressed upon Pakistan’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the UN charter and international norms.

“The committee also reiterated the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, with an iron hand. Forum also highlighted that Pakistan has suffered far more than any other country due to this scourge of terrorism,” it said.

Pakistan seeks cooperative relations with all countries: PM Kakar

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has affirmed that Pakistan sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbours.

“Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection,” he said while presiding over the cabinet meeting where the foreign ministry briefed the ministers about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on January 16.

The cabinet lauded the Pakistan armed forces response to the breach of the country’s sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in this regard.

Kakar said that it was in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to January 16, 2024. In this regard, he said that Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.

Jilani, Amir-Abdollahian agree to de-escalate the situation

Moments before the meeting, the Foreign Office said that Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

“Foreign Minister Jilani expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran on all issues based on the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation,” it said in a statement.

He stressed that respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty must underpin the cooperation.

The two FMs agreed that working-level cooperation and close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened. “They also agreed to de-escalate the situation.”

The return of ambassadors of the two countries to their respective capitals was also discussed.

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Amiri Moghadam stated that both countries supported each other in difficult times.

In his statement, he added that both neighbours have common interests and common risks. Moghadam was of the view that bilateral ties cannot afford any kind of delay or interruption.

Kakar cuts short visit to WEF

Separately, caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi told Reuters by telephone that it aims at a “broad national security review in the aftermath of the Iran-Pakistan incidents”. Kakar cut short a visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos and flew home on Thursday.

The tit-for-tat strikes by the two countries are the highest-profile cross-border intrusions in recent years and have raised alarm about wider instability in the Middle East.

However, both sides have already signalled a desire to cool tensions, although they have had a history of rocky relations.

“Pakistan has no interest or desire in escalation,” the country’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said in a telephone call with his Turkish counterpart.

Iran said Thursday’s strikes killed nine people in a border village on its territory, including four children. Pakistan said the Iranian attack on Tuesday killed two children.

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United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged the two nations to exercise maximum restraint. The US also urged restraint although President Joe Biden said the clashes showed that Iran is not well liked in the region.

Islamabad said it hit bases of the banned Baloch Liberation Front and Baloch Liberation Army while Tehran said its drones and missiles targeted militants from the Jaish al Adl group.

Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a candidate for his party for prime minister, and the party of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, considered an electoral frontrunner in the polls, said Pakistan had the right to defend itself but called for dialogue with Iran moving ahead.

Resolving issues via dialogue

Meanwhile, sources said that Additional Foreign Secretary Rahim Hayat Qureshi has responded positively to the message of his Iranian counterpart Syed Rasool Mousavi.

Qureshi said that the two countries have brotherly relations they would move forward to solve all the problems through dialogue. Both states need coordinated action to tackle common challenges including terrorism, he added.

The Iranian diplomat said that leaders and high officials of both countries know that the enemies would benefit from the recent tensions, adding that the main problem of the Muslim world was to stop the crimes of the Israeli government in Gaza.

The exchange of such exchange of messages has been confirmed by the spokesperson of the Foreign Office.

(With input from Reuters)