Islamabad, Feb 16, IRNA – Pakistani political and defence analyst on Tuesday called for promoting strong Iran-Pakistan relationship to eliminate menace of terrorism from the region.Talking to IRNA, Maj Gen. (Retd) Jamshed Ayaz Khan said that Jundallah terrorist group has become a serious issue for Iran.
Iranian Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi has said that Iran closely monitors moves by the Jundallah terrorist group, stressing that the Islamic Republic is taking necessary measures to fully control its borders.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan commenting over the statement of Iran official said that Iran must understand that Pakistani soil cannot be used against Iran. “We are well-wishers of Iran”, he noted.
The analyst suggested that both Iran and Pakistan should sit across the table and resolve all differences over the issue of Jundallah. “Iran is our brother and Pakistan has always supported Iran”, he said.
“Pakistan must help Iran over Jundallah issue”, Jamshed Ayaz Khan opined. The intellectual was optimistic that this difficult phase in relations would be over soon.
“Iran is an important neighbor of Pakistan and the relations between Iran and Pakistan must complement each other”, he viewed.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan called for promoting people to people interaction between Iran and Pakistan.
The intellectual expressing views added that Pakistan and Iran must joint hands to enhance cooperation to nab the terrorists.
“May be some groups want to create instability at Pak-Iran border areas”, said the defence analyst.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan expressed doubt over authenticity of news published two months ago in Pakistani media regarding the arrest of Jundallah leader Abdulrauf Rigi inside Pakistan.
“News about Rigi’s arrest cannot be correct as there is no reason left for Pakistan to hide such important development”, he noted.
The arrest of Rigi was not conformed by the Pakistani Foreign Office.
Jundallah, which has operated in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan and Pakistan's Balochistan provinces, has carried out several attacks against ordinary Iranian citizens as well as government and security officers.
Its leader Abdolmalek Rigi was arrested by Iranian intelligence forces in February 2010 and executed in June for 79 counts of crime, including man slaughter, armed robbery, bombing operations and armed attacks on police and civilians.
Rigi stated in his confessions that he had dealings with the US government and was promised unlimited funds and resources for “waging an insurgency” in Iran.
Jamshed Ayaz Khan retired as a Major General in 2001. He is also the member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, the Asia Society, New York and the Rotary Club International. His name is also listed in the International who’s Who Historical Society’s list 2006-07.
