A good neighbour is better than a far-off family

An Iranian commonly used proverb says that a good neighbour is better than a family who is far away. Iran and Pakistan are two brotherly, Islamic neighbours who have common challenges and opportunities.

Both are suffering from terrorism and as a result, during the last decades, numerous civilians and army staff of both sides have been targeted by terrorist groups.

After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, to date, more than 17,000 Iranian people, including President Rajaei, Prime Minister Bahonar, Chief Justice Beheshti, 72 parliamentarians, religious scholars, scientists and army commanders, have been assassinated, and now Iran considers itself the major victim of terrorism in the world.

In the recent incidents in the southeast of Iran, the Balouchistan area, the border guards of Iran have been targeted by a terrorist group, which is known as the so-called Jaish al Adl.

This group was in practice for another operation to kill Iranian civilians and border guards, and for this reason, the group, which was infiltrating the Iranian territory, was checked by the border task force to thwart their designs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran clarified in its statement that it was only a preventative operation and there was no conclusion to disrespect the sovereignty of Pakistan.

This reason is completely understandable for the governments of both brotherly countries and they have managed this matter quickly through the dialogue and diplomatic channels.

Fortunately, the ambassadors of both sides have returned to their posts and the Iranian foreign minister is due to visit Islamabad on Monday 29th of January at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart.

There is no doubt that both sides are eager to utilise the voice of rationality and wisdom to govern their common challenges and how to avoid misusing their brotherly complaints by the ill-wishers.

In a brief review of the relations of both countries, we see that Iran was the first country that recognised Pakistan’s independence in 1947 and only 40 days after this political recognition, Iran inaugurated its embassy in Karachi as the time being capital of Pakistan.

Both the countries stood with each other during their tough times and supported each other at all regional and international levels.

There is a strong sense of understanding of the situation and hopefully, both countries will commonly fight terrorism and separatist groups.

Nowadays the issue of Palestine is the foremost concern of the Islamic world and nothing can make a diversion from this important topic.

Both of the Islamic republic neighbours will join hands to play their crucial role in solving their bilaterally, regional and international issues through their commendable potential.

Now, it's the turn of the elites, think tanks, policymakers, diplomats, researchers, prominent journalists, leading NGOs etc to make positive efforts in maintaining and strengthening Iran and Pakistan’s relationship.

The writer is Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi.