Vantage | What Iran-Pak 'patch-up' after tit-for-tat missile strikes means

Pakistan is hosting the Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdolla-Hian, who landed in Islamabad on Monday. He was invited by his Pakistani counterpart. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting. They emphasised regional security, border relations, and trade. It sounds like regular stuff that wouldn’t have made it to the headlines had it not been for what happened two weeks ago. Iran had attacked Pakistan, and Pakistan attacked right back. Since then, relations have been strained. Earlier this month, Tehran launched missiles into Pakistan. It targeted a militant group in the Balochistan province, and Pakistan fired back diplomatically. Then Pakistan used its military, and Islamabad struck Baloch separatists in Iran. So within 48 hours, the score was 1-1. The strikes left at least 11 civilians dead on both sides, including children. The strikes reignited tensions, but for two weeks, no formal meetings were held. Then on Monday, Iran’s foreign minister met his counterpart. “Terrorists are located on the common borders of Iran and Pakistan, and they are led and supported by third countries,” he said. Now, that is a bold statement to make. It is because Iran is accepting that there are terrorists on its soil, and it is blaming an unnamed third country for it. What is more, Pakistan has not objected to this. Instead, it is calling the visit a diplomatic win for both sides. “His visit at such short notice testifies to the deep commitment of both sides to further strengthen and solidify the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran. It is a relationship steeped in shared religion, history, culture, and geography. And this is a relationship that is also underpinned by strong bonds of amity and brotherhood,” said Pakistan Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

The visit comes two days after a particular attack where nine Pakistani nationals were killed in Iran, and three people are being treated for wounds. The attack took place in Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan province, in a town called Saravan. It is only a few hundred kilometres from Pakistan. The attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen, and no group has claimed responsibility. But the families are mourning and demanding answers. The Iranian minister’s visit comes right after the death of nine Pakistani civilians. Islamabad has demanded an investigation. Iran says it will cooperate, and both sides ended the matter by agreeing to combat terror. “We recognised that the close relationship between Pakistan and Iran is not only imperative for the shared prosperity and development of our two peoples but also an important source of stability for the region,” said Jilani. “Guided by this spirit, Pakistan and Iran have resolved to expand our cooperation, especially in the political and security domains,” he added. So, they say they want to normalise ties. The talks were followed by laughs and hugs. Islamabad has even officially invited Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi; the visit is scheduled for next month. But seemingly, the deaths of civilians have been swept under the rug, and Iran and Pakistan are back in business. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the  Latest News,  Trending News,  Cricket News,  Bollywood News, India News and  Entertainment News here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.