Army chief seeks Iran's cooperation in dealing with militants.

ISLAMABAD -- Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday sought Iran's cooperation in dealing with Baloch militants allegedly operating from its soil.

Gen Bajwa called Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Maj Gen Mohammad Baqeri against the backdrop of last Friday's attack on a Frontier Corps patrol in the Buleda area of Kech district in which six troops, including Major Nadeem Bhatti, were martyred.

The attack, which took place about 14km from the Pak-Iran border, was claimed by the banned Baloch LiberaAtion Army.

The Inter-Services Public Relations did not issue any statement on the conversation.

However, Iranian official newswire Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) repAorted that the two generals discussed military developments, security of borders and the coronavirus crisis.

Gen Bajwa, IRNA repAorted, 'urged the exchange of expert delegations to maintain border security and prevent terrorist moves on common borders'. He also informed the Iranian commander about the measures being taken by the Pakistan government to prevent unauthorised cross-border movement.

Pakistan and Iran share over 900km-long border, which is infested with criminal gangs, militants and drug traffickers. Terrorist groups operating along the border have in the past carried out several attacks. Therefore, border security has for long remained a major irritant in bilateral ties. The terrorist groups based near the border have existed because of deep mistrust between the two countries.

The two neighbours have, however, over the past few years cooperated extensively in improving border security by undertaking...