Pakistan, Iran army chiefs affirm readiness to eradicating terrorism for secure borders

hief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, reaffirmed their commitment on Tuesday to eradicate terrorism and enhance security along the nearly 900-kilometre shared border between the two countries.

The two military leaders held a telephonic conversation, during which they underscored the urgent need for closer cooperation to counter militant groups operating in the border regions.

Shared Concerns Over Border Security

The border between Pakistan and Iran has long been vulnerable to infiltration by proscribed groups, including Jaish al-Adl and the Balochistan Liberation Army. These outfits have carried out repeated attacks, creating persistent strains in bilateral relations.

Both countries have also accused each other in the past of harbouring militants, while smuggling networks and cross-border terrorism have further complicated ties. Earlier this month, Islamabad and Tehran acknowledged that durable peace and prosperity in the border areas could only be achieved through coordinated action against terrorism.

Official Statements from Both Sides

According to a statement issued by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad, both commanders agreed to intensify cooperation. “The two sides are ready to eradicate terrorism to secure common borderlines,” the statement said.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, quoted Gen Mousavi as stressing Iran’s readiness to eliminate terrorist groups exploiting the porous frontier. He called for joint measures to prevent the growing cross-border movements of militants.

Field Marshal Munir echoed the sentiment, saying both nations must work together to “jointly turn the Pakistan-Iran border into a border of friendship, brotherhood, and economic development.”

Condolences and Humanitarian Support

During the exchange, Field Marshal Munir expressed condolences for the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province. In turn, Gen Mousavi conveyed his sympathy for flood-affected families in Pakistan, adding that “Iran would proudly provide any assistance within its power to dear brothers in Pakistan.”

The Iranian commander also praised the current level of bilateral interaction and lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic support for Iran during its 12-day war with Israel.

Earlier High-Level Engagements

The renewed military commitment follows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan earlier this month. During his meetings, President Pezeshkian emphasized that stronger economic and trade ties would only be possible through regional stability and peaceful borders.

“Given the threats from terrorist groups in border areas, both sides emphasised the need to increase cooperation to ensure border security and safeguard the peace and well-being of citizens in border cities,” he said at the time.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also echoed this stance, stressing that peace and security were essential for development. “There will be zero tolerance for all forms of terrorism. If anyone falls victim to terrorism in Iran, it is the same as someone being affected by terrorism in Pakistan,” the premier noted.

He added that Pakistan and Iran must cooperate along their long frontier to take effective steps for “eliminating the scourge of terrorism once and for all.”

The Road Ahead

While the latest conversation between Field Marshal Munir and Gen Mousavi underscored strong political will on both sides, operational details of enhanced border coordination were reportedly discussed during President Pezeshkian’s earlier meetings with Pakistan’s military leadership.

The reaffirmed commitment signals a potential shift towards deeper military and security collaboration between Islamabad and Tehran, as both nations confront shared threats that have long jeopardized stability in the region.