Ashrafuddin Pirzada
PESHAWAR: Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran on Thursday, January 18.
Several terrorists were reportedly killed during the Intelligence-based operation.
The foreign office said that over the last several years, Pakistan’s engagements with Iran, have 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.
Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists, it said in the FO statement.
However, because of a lack of action on serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to operate against Pakistan with impunity. This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities against Pakistan by these terrorists, the statement revealed.
It said that the action in Iran was 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 was also a testimony to the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
Pakistan would continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which was sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred. FO said.
Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 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.
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 the 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.
Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the people of Iran. We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavour to find joint solutions. Pakistan said.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-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 given the ongoing developments.
At WEF, the Prime Minister participated in the Informal Gathering of the World Economic Leaders (IGWEL), delivered the keynote address at the event titled “Trade Tech’s Trillion-Dollar Promise” and held meetings with participating leaders on the sidelines.
Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani is in Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 & China. His participation in these important summits is a reflection of the high priority Pakistan attaches to promoting cooperation among the Global South, including on issues related to sustainable development. The Foreign Minister has also cut short his visit in light of recent developments.
The 14th of January 2024 marks a painful milestone for the human conscience. It was the 100th day of Israel’s war on Palestine, which has taken over 24,000 lives in Gaza – a toll that is escalating with each passing day. The indiscriminate violence by Israel has to end.
Humanity must prevail. The international community must play its part in saving the people of Palestine from the barbaric acts of the occupation authorities.
The month of January carries painful memories of three massacres committed by the Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the 1990s.
Over 50 innocent people were martyred and hundreds were injured when the Indian troops opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful protesters in the Gaw Kadal area of Srinagar on 21 January 1990. A few days later, on 25 January 1990, at least 21 unarmed Kashmiris were martyred by the Indian troops in north Kashmir’s Handwara town. On 27 January 1994, a day after India’s Republic Day, Indian troops massacred 27 civilians in Kupwara town.
We remember the martyrs of these massacres and pay rich tribute to their sacrifices. The perpetrators of these massacres should be held accountable.
Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute by the UN Security Council Resolutions.
