Ali Ardeshir Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, meets Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Iran on Wednesday offered Pakistan a “blank cheque” in order to resolve issues with India and Afghanistan, an unusual and rare show of support in the face of Islamabad’s challenges from the eastern and western fronts.
“Pakistan is very dear and honourable to the Iranian people. We are prepared to give the Pakistanis a ‘blank cheque’ to help resolve these issues, to be used whenever they deem necessary,” Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, in an interview with a local news channel before he wrapped up his trip.
Larijani is one of the senior aides of Iran’s Supreme leader and influential figure. He traveled to Islamabad amid a host of regional developments including the brewing 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 aftermath 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 a major trouble for Iran. Pakistan’s positive role earned praise from Iran’s cross-section of society. Larijani, before travelling to Islamabad, acknowledged Pakistan’s support for Iran.
The development led to such goodwill in Iran as Larijani offered blanket support to Pakistan to deal with its eastern and western neighbour.
In a statement shared on his Xi account, Larijani disclosed 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 limitations on cooperation with Pakistan”.
He, however, urged for “greater dynamism and practical action” from both sides and confirmed that robust mechanisms were being established to follow up on these decisions.
Earlier, Larijani called on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, evolving regional security, and ways to strengthen Iran-Pakistan engagement.
Director General ISI Lt General 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, underscoring the need for closer coordination with Iran in counterterrorism and border security.
Larijani appreciated Pakistan’s “vital role” in regional peace and voiced Tehran’s resolve to deepen strategic, political, and economic cooperation.
Both sides stressed that sustained dialogue and practical cooperation were essential for navigating regional challenges and achieving long-term stability.
