TEHRAN - Pakistan’s government decided on Friday to end tension with Iran and fully restore diplomatic ties with Tehran, Reuters reported, quoting the Pakistani media outlets.

The decision was taken by Pakistan’s cabinet of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. 

Also, in a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday afternoon, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani stressed the significance of recognizing Pakistan's friendly relations with Iran.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister noted, "It's crucial to actively pursue the axis of security and military cooperation that has been agreed upon and emphasized by both countries' authorities in the past."

Amir Abdollahian emphasized that Iran's security forces immediately counteract any terrorist operations in their bases, preventing terrorists from easily operating their vicious plans.

Referring to the Tuesday anti-terrorism operation against the Jaish al-Adl terror group inside Pakistan, Amir Abdollahian highlighted, "This operation aligned with the immediate duties of the operational headquarters in the Sistan and Baluchestan region, aiming to neutralize an imminent terrorist threat. Despite the evidence that over fifty terrorists were preparing for an attack against Iran at this location, Iranian forces thwarted their plans promptly."

Amir Abdollahian, while underscoring the Islamic Republic's respect for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, stated, "We strongly respect Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We believe that cooperation between the two countries to neutralize and destroy terrorist hideouts within Pakistani territory is essential."

He added, "In a situation where the Zionist regime perpetrates the massacre of women and children in Palestine, the need for unity in the Islamic world is more crucial than ever."

During the telephone conversation, Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the shared aspirations of both countries in the fight against terrorism. He said, "A common approach in the fight against terrorism is to underscore the cooperation between our countries. Pakistan has consistently emphasized constructive and fraternal relations with Iran, with a serious commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Islamabad."

Emphasizing Pakistan's people and government's special interest and respect for the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jilani highlighted the need for the development of amicable relations in all dimensions between the two countries. He added, "As neighbors and Muslim nations, terrorism is our common enemy, and we must not allow terrorists and enemies to exploit relations between Tehran and Islamabad. Collaboration and brotherhood are our main focus."

In his concluding remarks, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan also invited Amir Abdollahian to Islamabad for an official visit.

Pakistan Embassy says Tehran-Islamabad ties 'critical' for regional peace

The Pakistani embassy in Tehran has said that the historic ties between Iran and Pakistan are essential for the establishment of peace in the region as the two countries work to dial down tensions following cross-border airstrikes.

“Pakistan has always stood by Iran through thick and thin. Co-operation and mutual trust between two brotherly countries, in a complex regional environment, are critical for peace and stability. Pakistan resolutely stands for its values to promote peace, stability, and development,” wrote the embassy on X.

Ties between Tehran and Islamabad seemed to experience a short period of testiness after Iran targeted two main bases of the so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan and the latter responded by striking Iranian positions near the border. Islamabad said it had struck the residence of Pakistani separatists while Tehran confirmed that no Iranian national was killed during the attack.

Officials from both countries expressed respect for their neighbor’s sovereignty and said that they are willing to engage in dialogue to cooperate for a more intense fight against terrorism. 

Pakistan’s foreign secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia said on Thursday that the two nations should refrain from escalating tensions and instead move towards resolving their issues through cooperation.

“Pakistan and Iran have fraternal relations and shall move forward to resolve all issues through positive dialogue. It is important to restore trust and confidence that has always defined our bilateral relations. Our common challenges including terrorism require coordinated action,” Rahim Hayat Qureshi stated on X.

In the past decade, Iran has asked that Pakistan do more to rein in the Jaish ul-Adl which has carried out several deadly attacks on Iranian soil in the past years. In December, the terror group attacked a police station in southeastern Iran, killing 11 officers and injuring 6 others.

Analysts believe despite attempts by Western-linked individuals to fuel the tensions between the two countries, Iran and Pakistan seem to now be moving towards the elimination of misunderstandings.