Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, meets Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at GHQ in Rawalpindi. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Iran on Wednesday offered Pakistan a “blank cheque” to resolve issues with India and Afghanistan, an unusual and rare show of support given Islamabad’s challenges from the eastern and western fronts.
“Pakistan is very dear and honorable to the Iranian people. We are ready to give the Pakistanis a ‘blank check’ to help solve these problems, to be used when they find it necessary,” Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, in an interview with a local news channel before ending his trip.
Larijani is one of Iran’s top leaders and influential figure. He traveled to Islamabad amid a host of regional developments, including the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Larijani held a wide range of talks, meeting the President, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Field Marshal. Talks focused on bilateral ties, regional and international issues.
Relations between Pakistan and Iran saw an unprecedented improvement in the wake of the 12-day Iran-Israel War, which was later joined by the United States.
Islamabad’s support for Tehran and deft diplomacy helped avert major problems for Iran. Pakistan’s positive role was praised by Iran’s cross-section of society. Larijani, before leaving for Islamabad, acknowledged Pakistan’s support for Iran.
The development led to such goodwill in Iran as Larijani offered blanket support to Pakistan in dealing with its eastern and western neighbours.
In a statement shared on his Xi account, Larijani revealed that Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, after his recent visit to Pakistan had issued “important directives to remove all economic barriers between the two countries”.
Larijani added that the Supreme National Security Council would also lift any remaining restrictions, stressing that Iran imposed “no restrictions on cooperation with Pakistan”.
However, he urged “greater dynamism and practical action” from both sides and confirmed that robust mechanisms were being put in place to follow up on these decisions.
Earlier, Larijani called on Pakistan’s Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security development and ways to strengthen Iran-Pakistan engagement.
Director General ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik and other senior officials accompanied the Field Marshal.
According to the ISPR, the COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, stressing the need for closer coordination with Iran in counter-terrorism and border security.
Appreciating Pakistan’s “vital role” in regional peace, Larijani expressed Tehran’s resolve to deepen strategic, political and economic cooperation.
Both sides stressed that sustained dialogue and practical cooperation were essential to navigating regional challenges and achieving long-term stability.
