After Iran’s attacks in Pakistan, India says it ‘understands’ actions taken in ‘self-defence.’…reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan said on Thursday that it has launched missile strikes into Iran and that “a number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation,” codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar”. Later, it was reported that seven people, including four children were killed in the strike.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement said that it had undertaken a series of “highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts” in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran.
“A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” it said.
Pakistan’s military action comes after it condemned Tuesday’s strike by Iran, which it said killed two children.
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry said that in its engagements with the neighbouring country Iran over the last several years, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists who called themselves “Sarmachars” on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
Pakistan said it also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.
“However, because of a lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars,” it said.
“This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,” the statement said.
Pakistan said it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and the strike’s sole objective was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
“As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Pakistan said Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. “We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endevaour to find joint solutions,” it said.
On Wednesday, Pakistan expelled the Iranian ambassador and recalled its ambassador to Iran.
Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said while addressing a press briefing in Islamabad yesterday.
Pakistan’s caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian underscored that the January 16 attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory was not only a serious breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Expressing Pakistan’s unreserved condemnation of the attack, Jilani added that the incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran.
India Defends Iran
India on Wednesday said that the Iranian attacks on bases of a terror group in Pakistan were a matter between the two countries while reiterating its zero-tolerance stance towards terrorism.
“This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. As far as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self defence,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Iranian missiles have attacked two bases of terror group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan.
The terror outfits had earlier attacked Iranian security forces near the Iran-Pakistan border.
Pakistan said that two children were killed and three others injured in strikes by neighbouring Iran on Tuesday.
Iran said it targeted two bases linked to the militant group Jaish al-Adl.
Pakistan is the third country, after Iraq and Syria, to be hit by an Iranian attack within the last few days.
ALSO READ: EAM Jaishankar Heads to 19th NAM Summit in Uganda
