Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Islamabad on Monday after tensions rose between Pakistan and India. The visit followed an attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India blamed Pakistan for the attack. In response, Pakistan rejected the allegation and claimed it had “credible evidence” that India was planning military action. Both nations possess nuclear weapons, raising regional concerns.
Iran invited Araqchi for two meetings in Islamabad to talk about “how to reduce tensions in the subcontinent,” according to Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, who spoke to TASS.
Additional Secretary West Asia Syed Asad Gillani, the Iranian envoy, and other senior Pakistani officials received Araqchi at the airport. He was expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
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A statement from the Pakistani Foreign Office on Tuesday said both nations “recognise the long-standing friendly relationship.” It also said they share a “willingness to enhance ties.”
Araqchi is expected to visit New Delhi later this week. It is unclear whether the visit was planned earlier or prompted by current tensions. His talks will also include “important” regional and international issues, according to the Foreign Office.
India has not responded to Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. In the past, the Indian foreign ministry has firmly rejected third-party involvement in the Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan has instructed its representative at the United Nations to request a Security Council briefing. The aim is to highlight India’s “aggressive actions,” which threaten regional peace.
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