Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): The National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable and sacrosanct and any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with full might of the state.
The National Security Committee (NSC) Friday observed that Iran was a neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country and existing multiple communication channels between the two countries should be mutually utilised to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.
The committee, which met with Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in the chair to deliberate upon matters of national security, hoped that in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations.
The forum reviewed the overall security in view of the situation between Pakistan and Iran.
It undertook a wholesome review of the situation and lauded the professional, calibrated and proportionate response by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
During the meeting, participants were briefed about political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran, and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region.
The forum also took stock of the ‘Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar’, which was successfully executed against Pakistani origin Baloch terrorists residing on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
The forum expressed that Iran, being a neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country, existing multiple communication channels between the two countries should be mutually utilized to address each other's security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.
An update on the situation along the borders and necessary full preparations done to comprehensively respond to any further violation of national sovereignty was also deliberated about.
The meeting reaffirmed that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan were of paramount importance and no stone would be left unturned to ensure it.
The forum impressed upon Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Charter and international norms.
The committee also reiterated the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, with an iron hand.
The forum also highlighted that Pakistan had suffered far more than any other country due to the scourge of terrorism.
The meeting was attended by the Caretaker Ministers for Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance and Information, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff as well as heads of intelligence agencies.
Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the Caretaker Federal Cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on 16 January, 2024.
In the meeting held under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the details of the attack, as well as Pakistan's response, were shared.
The cabinet lauded the high professionalism with which the Pakistan Armed Forces responded to the breach of the Pakistan's sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in this regard.
Addressing the federal cabinet, PM Kakar affirmed that Pakistan is a law abiding and peace loving country and it seeks friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors.
He said that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection.
The premier said that it is in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to January 16.
PM Kakar said that said that, in this regard, Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.