Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized on Thursday that it would not allow its enemies to harm its friendly relations with Pakistan, despite retaliatory strikes conducted by Pakistan over an airspace violation by Iran. Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, less than 48 hours after Iran violated its airspace.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s military’s media affairs wing, the strikes targeted hideouts used by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) in an intelligence-based operation called ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.
In response, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that nine people were killed in the attack on a village in the city of Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stating that all the dead “were foreign nationals.”
Key developments
Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized “brotherly relations” with Pakistan and also summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to protest the strikes.
Pakistan’s military says “dialogue and cooperation” is important in resolving bilateral issues.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan says that the sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s security and national interest.
In a statement issued by the Pakistani military’s media wing, it stated that they used precision military strikes to target hideouts used by BLA and BLF, and remain ready to ensure the safety of Pakistan.
The strike by Pakistan on Iran comes after several Iranian strikes in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan. Iran’s strikes were part of a series of attacks carried out by Iran in recent days in Syria and Iraq.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan said that the latest action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars in Iran.
PM Kakar, FM Jilani cut short foreign visits
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who are currently abroad, have decided to cut short their visits in light of the developments.
Diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Iran
The recently heightened tensions between Pakistan and Iran have led to the downgrading of diplomatic relations, with the recalling of ambassadors and the expulsion of envoys. Additionally, Iranian charge d’affaires in Islamabad was also summoned to the Foreign Office to convey Pakistan’s condemnation of the incident. The situation is further complicated by regional rival India’s involvement.