ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has recalled its envoy and concurrently expelled Iranian ambassadors after Tehran launched air strikes that killed two children and injured three girls.

Tehran targeted civilians in neigboring Pakistan, near the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, drawing strong condemnation from Islamabad.

Amid the uproar, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the country is recalling its envoy from Iran in aftershock of missile and drone strikes.

In a press briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mumtaz Zahra Baloch denounced the attack, terming it as an unprovoked violation of Pakistani airspace, and warned Tehran of dire repercussions.

Baloch said Islamabad is suspending all high-level diplomatic exchanges following the violation of the country’s sovereignty. She mentioned that Iranian envoy to Pakistan, who is currently visiting Iran, will not be allowed back in the country.

Pakistan will be conveyed this message to Iranian government, Baloch said as both sides halted all diplomatic exchanges.

Iran attacks Pakistan

Iran launched attacks in border of Panjgur in Balochistan on Tuesday targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl.

Iran’s aggressive move has been strongly condemned as Islamabad responded strongly to unprovoked violation of its airspace. Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences, top officials said.

The illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan’s strong protest has already been lodged with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.

Pakistan has always said terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region that requires coordinated action.

Pakistan condemns airspace violation as Iran targets ‘militant bases’ in Panjgur