Pakistan Slams Iran for 'Lack of Action against Terrorists', Says Airstrikes Done in 'National Interest'

Pakistan carried out retaliatory airstrikes in Iran on Thursday, allegedly targeting militant positions amid rising tensions between the neighbouring nations.

“We undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran,” Pakistan’s foreign office said.

A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation – codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’, it said.

“Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran,” the foreign office said.

Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists, it added.

However, because of a lack of action on such serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to operate against Pakistan with impunity, it said.

“This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities against Pakistan by these terrorists,” said the foreign office.

This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats, it maintained.

The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, it said.

According to the statement, Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable, and sacred.

Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it added.

“The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised,” said the statement.

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, it said.

“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,” it added.

Iran is a brotherly country, the statement said, and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the people of Iran.

“We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavour to find joint solutions,” it said.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar who is currently in Davos to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has decided to cut short his visit in view of the ongoing developments.