Islamabad, 26 January 2024 (TDI): Against the backdrop of recent cross-border tensions, a crucial diplomatic shift unfolds as Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, announces his return to Tehran on Friday with the aim of resuming his official duties.
Ambassador Mudassir stated that he is en route to the Iranian capital, in conformity with the sincere and good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership.
“Ever more determined to work for a more robust, stronger, and peace-loving Pakistan,” added Mudassir, who returned to Islamabad on January 17 following the attack by Iran.
Addressing the significance of a peaceful relationships between Islamabad and Tehran, he remarked that the robustness of Pakistan and Iran are “critical for the region and to promote historic people-to-people ties.”.
As reported, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam, who left for Iran on January 16, is also set to return to Pakistan today.
The Pakistani Ambassador statement comes at a time when both countries are trying to mend their diplomatic ties following the short-lived yet intense cross-border tensions, which began after Iran launched an unanticipated attack in Balochistan, purportedly targeting a militant group on the night of January 16.
Earlier this week, both countries reported a mutual consensus to reinstate their diplomatic ties, agreeing that their ambassadors would return to their respective posts by January 26, 2024.
The Foreign Office’s joint statement on Monday disclosed that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has accepted an invitation from Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani to visit Pakistan on January 29.
Also Read: What is Marg Bar Sarmachar operation?
Military Response to Iran’s Unprovoked Attack
After Iran’s attack, described as “unprovoked” by the Foreign Office, the Pakistani military took action against terrorist hideouts inside the Iranian border on January 18, approximately 36 hours later.
Pakistan’s retaliation killed several terrorists during the intelligence-based operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar” by the military.
On the other hand, Iran’s recent attack resulted in the tragic loss of two children and left three girls injured, a stark violation of national sovereignty.
In a strong diplomatic response, Pakistan withdrew its ambassador from Iran on January 17 and prevent the Iranian Ambassador, who was visiting his home country, from returning. This decisive action serves as a protest against Tehran’s acknowledgment of missile strikes on militant bases in southwestern Pakistan, which Pakistan considers a “blatant breach” of its sovereignty.
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