Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Abdulrahim Mousavi have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering border security and intensifying the fight against terrorism, underscoring the resolve of both nations to transform their nearly 900-kilometre-long shared frontier into a gateway of peace, stability, and economic cooperation.
The reaffirmation came during a telephonic conversation between the two commanders, according to a statement issued by the Iranian Embassy. The dialogue follows an understanding reached earlier this month between Islamabad and Tehran that lasting peace and prosperity in the border regions remain contingent upon the effective elimination of terrorism.
For years, the Pakistan-Iran border has faced persistent threats from proscribed groups such as Jaish al-Adl and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), with relations occasionally strained by allegations of cross-border terrorism, smuggling, and the provision of sanctuaries to militants.
Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA quoted General Mousavi as saying that Tehran stood fully prepared to counter terrorism and protect its frontier with Pakistan. Highlighting the increasing cross-border movement of terrorist outfits, he called for joint operations to neutralise the threat.
Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s determination to safeguard the frontier, stressing that both sides must act collectively to transform the Pakistan-Iran border into a “boundary of friendship, brotherhood, and economic progress.”
During the exchange, Field Marshal Munir thanked General Mousavi for his solidarity with the people of Pakistan and offered condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province. General Mousavi, in turn, extended sympathy over the losses from Pakistan’s recent floods, assuring that Iran took pride in supporting its “dear brothers in Pakistan” to the maximum extent possible.
The Iranian military chief also praised the progress of bilateral engagement at multiple levels, lauding Pakistan’s stance and support for Iran during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.
Earlier this month, during his official visit to Pakistan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had emphasised that the advancement of economic and trade relations depended on peace and stability. He had urged greater cooperation to ensure security in border regions and safeguard civilian populations from militant threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, echoing similar sentiments, had declared “zero tolerance” for terrorism in all forms. “If a terrorist attack takes place in Iran, it is as if it has taken place in Pakistan,” he remarked, stressing the need for joint action to permanently eradicate terrorism for the peace and prosperity of both nations.
While both leaderships have pledged to deepen collaboration, operational measures to strengthen counterterrorism coordination were also discussed during President Pezeshkian’s meeting with Field Marshal Munir in Islamabad earlier this month.
