IT is a matter of great satisfaction that the Iranian government is taking keen interest in joining hands with Pakistan to resolve the Afghan imbroglio, as the emerging situation, after the Kunduz attack, has sent warning shots to both the countries.

Because of the self-styled Islamic State`s presence, Pakistan has welcomed Iran`s offer to play a role in the Afghan talks. Both the countries have realised that the complex Afghan issue cannot be resolved in isolation, without involving neighbouring countries, especially Iran. The talks were held with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran`s Supreme National Security Council, in Islamabad on security cooperation and border issues.

Mr Shamkhani holds an important position in Tehran. He is close to Iran`ssupreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. There was a long pause in such talks, probably because of mistrust, but thanks to the successful Operation Zarb-i-Azb and Islamabad`s facilitation in holding talks with the Taliban, this has changed the entire perception around the world, especially among the neighbouring countries.

Mr Shamkhani held talks with Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign affairs, and Nasir Janjua, the new national security adviser, on Afghanistan, border security, intelligencesharing,presence ofthe ISin the region, security cooperation and exploring prospects of bilateral cooperation. Border security between Pakistan and Iran remains to be asensitiveissue since there have frequently been border problems over illegal immigrants` entry into Iran. The infiltration of terrorists, enemy agents into Balochistan from Iranian side is also a major concern for Pakistan.

This positive shift in the Pakistan-Iran relations holds the key to regional peace.

Cooperation between Pakistan and Iran must continue.

F.Z. Khan Rawalpindi