ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan, China, and Iran are poised to convene a trilateral meeting on counter-terrorism and security, underscoring Beijing’s expanding influence by uniting neighboring nations on critical matters.
The inaugural Pakistan-China-Iran Trilateral Consultation on counter-terrorism and security took place in Beijing in June last year. The initiative aimed to synchronize efforts in combating terrorism and thwarting groups seeking to undermine the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Official sources indicated that the upcoming trilateral meeting will assess the prevailing security landscape and the activities of terrorist factions posing a threat to regional stability.
China is particularly invested in fostering collaboration between Pakistan and Iran to address shared security challenges, notably along their mutual border, where certain groups target Chinese interests.
For instance, the Majid Brigade, an extremist faction within a Baloch terrorist organization, has been established to disrupt China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Over recent years, the group has claimed responsibility for numerous fatal assaults on Chinese nationals and CPEC infrastructure.
Recognizing the potential benefits of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, China sees an opportunity to mitigate these threats effectively.
Additionally, tensions between Pakistan and Iran escalated in January, nearly leading to a full-scale conflict due to the presence of terrorist groups along their shared border.
Iran launched missile strikes into Pakistan on January 16, targeting alleged hideouts of Jaish-al-Adl, a group responsible for fatal attacks on Iranian security forces.
Pakistan refuted the accusations and, within two days, responded with similar claims.
However, following the missile exchanges, both countries swiftly moved to address their grievances.
Recent efforts include implementing measures agreed upon during the visit of the Iranian foreign minister in January, which involve deploying senior military officials in each other’s territories for improved coordination.
Official sources revealed that a Pakistani Army colonel has been stationed in Zaydan, Sistan-Baluchistan, while an officer from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard will be based in Turbat, Balochistan.
Discussions between the two nations also encompass a proposed security pact to prevent future escalations, including measures to proscribe terrorist entities operating along the border region.
Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi is anticipated to travel to Iran in the coming weeks to finalize details of the security pact.
May 2, 2024
Source: Express Tribune