On 18th January, during the early hours of the day, Pakistan conducted a meticulously planned and precisely targeted series of military strikes against terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. This Intelligence-based operation aptly codenamed ‘Marg Bar Samachar’, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists linked with BLA and BLF. The Government of Pakistan sanctioned the airstrikes to address and eliminate emerging terrorist threats directed towards Pakistan preemptively.
At the dawn’s onset, Pakistan Air Force aircraft engaged these seven targets within Iranian territory, employing precision-guided air-to-ground munitions. The aerial reconnaissance conducted via unmanned aircraft confirmed the presence of several high-value targets, including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq and Asghar alias Basham, who were involved in multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistani territory. These terrorists’ bases were situated more than 80 kilometres inside Iranian borders. PAF employed stand-off extended-range missiles to engage these targets while maintaining strict adherence to Pakistani airspace.
It is imperative to highlight that the precision of these operations was upheld with utmost diligence, ensuring that no Iranian civilians or military personnel were inadvertently targeted. This calibrated action is a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its national sovereignty against all potential threats while avoiding further escalation.
During several diplomatic engagements, Pakistan has persistently evinced grave concerns regarding the existence of safe havens and sanctuaries within Iran, harbouring individuals of Pakistani origin who identify themselves as “Sarmachars”. Regrettably, the lack of substantive responsiveness to these earnest concerns allowed these self-proclaimed Sarmachars to continue their deleterious activities, resulting in the unjust spilling of innocent Pakistani blood with impunity. As a corollary, Pakistan had to resort to carefully calibrated and precise military action in consonance with international norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
It is pertinent to mention here that while Iran’s missile strike inside Pakistan was based on false assumptions about the alleged presence of Jaish-ul-Adl cadre and resulted in the killing of innocent children, Pakistan’s response was pragmatic and based on credible intelligence and surveillance. In its earnest efforts, Pakistan had meticulously presented multiple dossiers replete with concrete evidence regarding these individuals’ presence and operational activities.
In these volatile times, where the situation in the Middle East is already tense due to the ongoing Palestine-Israel war, such irrational acts by Iran will further complicate the situation and exacerbate the ensuing conundrum. Brigadier (retd) Ahmed Saeed Minhas, a defence analyst, told Arab News that Iran’s airstrikes were “utterly unbelievable,” adding Pakistan had signed a peace and security accord with Iran in 2013-14. Both nations agreed to share intelligence for joint operations against elements plotting militant attacks against their respective countries. He further stated, “The initial response is in place, but Iran must apologize internationally for her actions.” As the Islamic Republic of Iran is no short of enemies, may it be Gulf countries, the United States, NATO or Israel, she mustn’t pursue a suicidal foreign policy, and she must invoke a pragmatic approach towards its neighbours. Iranian leadership must also remember the history of cordial relations with Pakistan.
Therefore, opening another front while Iran is already embroiled in the geopolitical quagmire of the Middle East is not at all a sane option. Michael Kugelman, a South Asian Affairs expert with the US’s Wilson Center, also mentions, “Islamabad had a strong incentive to try to restore deterrence, especially with Iran on the offensive around the wider region deploying direct strike…” He further stated, “In effect, if Pakistan had held back, it would have faced the risk of additional strikes.”
On January 14 – 15, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Tehran to discuss “mutual interest” issues. Is such a paranoid move of Iran linked to this visit? If it is, the irrationality of Iranian authorities is beyond comprehension. Sanity demands that Iran should not become a pawn, sacrificing itself for the implementation of the Indian nefarious agenda against Pakistan. Before becoming a ragdoll to such a third party, Iran must reflect upon the fact that one cannot alter one’s neighbours, and there is no benefit in initiating hostilities when there is much to gain from cooperation, especially in the economic domain.
The people of Pakistan harbour profound respect and affection for their Iranian counterparts, and Pakistan enjoys significant defence, economic and cultural ties with Iran. The longstanding commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation in confronting shared challenges, particularly the menace of terrorism, remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan is always ready to collaborate with its neighbours for regional peace and prosperity. However, Pakistan’s willingness to foster amicable relations should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Pakistan boasts the 7th most potent armed force in the World, which will not hesitate for a second to wipe its enemies from the face of the earth.
