Iran, Pakistan flights resume amid easing tensions

KARACHI (INP): In a sign of improving relations between Iran and Pakistan, commercial flights between the two countries have resumed after a brief hiatus.

According to aviation sources, Iran’s Mahan Airlines flight arrived in Lahore from Tehran on Sunday, carrying more than 100 passengers.

The flight landed at Lahore Airport from Tehran, sources said.

Flights between the two countries were suspended due to Pakistan-Iran tensions over border security and regional issues.

The resumption of flights is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people contacts between the two neighboring countries. On Friday, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdullahian.

The two ministers discussed the recent developments in the region and the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Jilani briefed Abdullahian on Pakistan’s position and reiterated that the defence of national security and sovereignty was the most important for Pakistan. He said that the red lines regarding Pakistan’s security were clear and that Pakistan would not allow any violation of its territorial integrity. He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to resolve the issues through dialogue and peaceful means.

Both sides agreed to reduce the recent tension and to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

Pakistan and Iran traded air strikes on militant targets this week.

The rare military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan — shared between the two countries — further stoked regional tensions already enflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.

Iran carried out a missile and drone attack on what it called “terrorist” targets in Pakistan on Tuesday night, with Pakistan in turn striking militant targets inside Iran on Thursday.

Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran’s envoy — on a visit home – was blocked from returning to Islamabad. The United Nations and the United States appealed for restraint, while China offered to mediate.

Tehran and Islamabad both said they hit their own domestic militants sheltering on foreign territory.

A collective death toll of 11 — mostly women and children — was reported from both sides of the border that bisects an arid region where militant movements have simmered for decades.