Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and his Iranian counterpart, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, vowed to eliminate militant groups that are fanning militancy and terrorism in both countries. They reaffirmed their collective resolve to ensure peace along the nearly 900-kilometre border shared by Pakistan and Iran.
Both countries have long faced persistent security challenges in their border areas, including militant activities by proscribed groups such as Jaish al-Adl and the Balochistan Liberation Army. These threats, combined with issues of smuggling and mutual accusations of harbouring militants, have periodically strained bilateral relations.
A statement issued by the Iranian embassy confirmed that Field Marshal Munir and General Mousavi held a detailed telephonic conversation, during which both sides stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle terrorism. “The two sides are ready to eradicate terrorism to secure common borderlines,” the statement read.
The Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted General Mousavi as saying that Iran was fully prepared to eradicate terrorist elements, highlighting the growing cross-border movements of such groups. He called for stronger cooperation to prevent terrorism from destabilising the region. In response, Field Marshal Munir emphasised that Pakistan and Iran should work together to transform their shared border into one of “friendship, brotherhood, and economic development.”
During the exchange, Munir expressed condolences for the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province. In turn, General Mousavi extended sympathy to the victims of recent floods in Pakistan and offered Iran’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.
Both military leaders also noted the progress in broader bilateral relations, with General Mousavi praising Pakistan’s diplomatic support for Iran during the 12-day war with Israel.
The recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan had already underlined the significance of stability in achieving economic growth. He stressed that peace in border areas was essential for strengthening trade and development. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this view, declaring a policy of “zero tolerance” toward terrorism and reaffirming that both nations must act jointly against the menace to ensure peace and prosperity.
