‘Iran for counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan’

Islamabad:Abdul Bait, counterterrorism expert at S Rajaratnam Institute of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore, has said that counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan remains a top priority for Iran.

Speaking at an event held here by Institute of Regional Studies. Mr Bait observed that since Iran and Pakistan shared a fragile border vulnerable to violent attacks by armed non-state actors, therefore, border security was a mutual concern. He underlined that the persistence of militant activities across Pak-Iran border necessitated a well-coordinated strategy to enhance security and curb insurgent movements.

He said the visit of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan led to an increased focus on security coordination and intelligence sharing but the region’s volatility was further heightened by the presence of terrorist groups like ISKP which carried out attacks in both countries.

Jauhar Saleem, President, IRS, traced the history of counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and Iran noting that the presence of terror groups like TTP alongside Pak-Iran border posed a serious threat to both the countries. To overcome these security challenges, Pakistan and Iran deployed liaison officers at the border for enhanced coordination.

He also pointed out that regional frameworks such as SCO with its security arm of Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) could help in addressing the issue of terrorism not only for Pakistan and Iran, but also the entire region. Towards this end, both the countries needed to work for a regional approach to address terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, he said.