ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Thursday dismissed Iran’s recent statement on armed clashes in Parachinar, calling it “unwarranted” and based on an “incomplete picture” of the situation.
Last week, violent clashes between two tribes over a land dispute erupted in Pakistan’s northwestern Kurram district, especially in its headquarters Parachinar left dozens of people dead from both sides.
The violence, which initially stemmed from a property dispute, quickly escalated to involve neighboring villages and led to a ceasefire agreement on Sunday.
The Kurram tribal district has long experienced tribal conflicts, as well as militant attacks.
Reacting to Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, stated that Iran’s remarks were based on an incomplete understanding of the developments in Parachinar. “Such statements about Pakistan’s domestic affairs are therefore unwarranted,” she said during a press briefing.
Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and dignity of all its citizens and its determination to promote social harmony and tolerance. “Pakistan is fully dedicated to fostering social harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect,” she added.
Despite several commercial agreements, including a stalled gas pipeline deal from 2010, Pakistan and Iran have a history of strained relations. However, both nations have recently made efforts to mend relations through high-level diplomatic visits.
