ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, is on his way back to Tehran after a week-long hiatus in diplomatic relations with the neighboring country. Tipu, announcing his return on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his intention to resume his diplomatic duties in the Islamic Republic. Correspondingly, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, his Iranian counterpart, is expected to return to Islamabad today.
The Pakistani envoy’s decision to return comes at a time when both nations are working towards normalizing their relations following a brief but intense episode of cross-border tensions.
In a joint statement issued earlier this week, Pakistan and Iran mutually agreed to have their ambassadors back at their respective posts by January 26, 2024.
In conformity with the sincere & good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership, I am en route to Tehran.Ever more determined to work for a more robust,stronger & peace-loving 🇵🇰 . Strong 🇵🇰 & 🇮🇷 are critical for region & to promote historic people to people ties . Time to turn a new leaf.
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) January 26, 2024
Ambassador Tipu, in his statement on X, highlighted that his return aligns with the sincere and positive wishes of Pakistan’s leadership. He expressed his determination to work towards a more robust, stronger, and peace-loving Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of a peaceful relationship between Islamabad and Tehran. Tipu added that strong Pakistan and Iran are critical for the region and for promoting historical people-to-people ties. Concluding his statement, he urged a new beginning, stating, “Time to turn a new leaf.”
In response to Iran’s attack, labeled “unprovoked” by the Foreign Office, Pakistan retaliated by targeting terrorist hideouts inside the Iranian border on January 18.
This military operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” resulted in the elimination of several terrorists. Iran’s attack, on the other hand, caused casualties, including the death of two children and injuries to three girls, leading to assertions that it violated the country’s sovereignty.
On January 17, Pakistan withdrew its ambassador from Iran and announced its refusal to allow the Iranian envoy, who was in his home country at the time, to return. This move was a protest against what Pakistan deemed a “blatant breach” of its sovereignty after Tehran claimed it launched missile attacks on militant bases in southwestern Pakistan.
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