Diplomatic De-escalation: Ambassadors Set to Return
Islamabad:
This Thursday, the ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran will return to their respective capitals, marking the conclusion of a tense period that followed tit-for-tat strikes within each other’s territories, nearly pushing the two nations to a major conflict.
Ambassadors’ Return: Easing Tensions
Official sources disclosed to The Express Tribune on Wednesday that Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, will resume his post in Tehran on January 26. Simultaneously, his Iranian counterpart is expected to recommence his duties later this week.
Diplomatic Row: Missile Strikes and Protests
The diplomatic row unfolded after Pakistan withdrew its envoy and protested Iran’s missile strikes in the Panjgur district of Balochistan province on January 16. Iran claimed that the strikes targeted alleged hideouts of the Jaish-al Adl group, a militant outfit operating in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Expressing Dismay: Pakistan’s Response
Expressing dismay over Iran’s violation of its airspace, Pakistan condemned the transgression, disputing Iran’s assertion that the strikes had eliminated terrorists. Islamabad maintained that the strikes resulted in the tragic death of two children and the injury of three girls.
Retaliatory Strikes: Pakistan’s Response
In response, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes two days later, targeting what it identified as hideouts of Baloch terrorist organizations. Iran acknowledged that those killed in the Pakistani strikes were not its nationals.
Diplomatic Engagement: De-escalation Efforts
Following Pakistan’s retaliation, both nations swiftly de-escalated tensions, engaging in diplomatic contacts. The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Iran held three telephone conversations as part of intensive efforts to defuse tensions. Subsequently, the two countries reached an agreement to restore full diplomatic ties, symbolized by the return of ambassadors to their respective capitals.
Normalization Process: Iranian Foreign Minister’s Visit
To further the normalization process, the Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 29. While tensions between the two nations may have eased, the recent military standoff has left a lasting impact on the foundation of their ties.
Discussions on Future Engagements: Healing the Rupture
Sources suggest that during the Iranian foreign minister’s visit, discussions will revolve around preventing the recurrence of similar situations in the future. It is anticipated that healing the rupture caused by last week’s tit-for-tat attacks will take time.
Underlying Issues: Beyond “Friendly and Brotherly” Ties
Despite frequently claiming “friendly and brotherly” ties, underlying issues persist that challenge cooperation between the two nations. The recent tension has brought to public attention the presence of certain militant groups on both sides of the border, a core issue that requires resolution.
Silent Negotiations: Addressing Terrorism Threat
Sources reveal that the two nations are silently working towards a new framework to address the threat of terrorism since the de-escalation.
The significance of the upcoming visit of the Iranian foreign minister lies in its expected role in setting the direction for future engagements and agreements.
