Pakistan is not Iraq or Syria

In recent days, Iran, Pakistan’s southwestern neighbor, launched a missile attack on the Pakistani region of Panjgur, sparking severe diplomatic and military tensions between the two nations. This incident mirrored a similar attack on Iran.

This isn’t the first instance of Iran attacking Pakistani borders under the pretext of combating terrorism. Iran has previously accused Pakistan of harboring militants involved in operations within Iran, exploiting what it perceived as Pakistan’s vulnerability. A firm response became imperative.

Iran’s assault on the Pakistani border coincided with the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to India, raising suspicions of potential collaboration with Pakistan’s perennial adversary. This prompts the question of whether the attack was orchestrated at India’s request. Pakistan consistently urged Iran to refrain from such actions within its territory, advocating peaceful communication to address concerns. Pakistan stressed that attacks and armed actions within its borders, under any title, would not be tolerated, emphasizing Iran’s responsibility to report any suspicious activities through relevant channels.

While it’s Pakistan’s international responsibility not to allow its territory to be used against any country, ensuring peace to its neighbors, it also possesses the authority to prevent threats within its borders. Any disputes should be resolved through appropriate measures, and there is no legal or moral justification for a country to attack another’s territory under the pretext of self-defense. International law dictates that such actions must respect borders, and any violation may lead to severe consequences.

Every country in the world cannot tolerate activities contrary to its security and sovereignty organized in another country. Taking armed action in another’s territory based on danger and apprehension is universally unacceptable. Iran, being a member of the United Nations and a party to international agreements, should respect the sanctity of borders and understand the sensitivity nations have regarding their boundaries.

While the entire Islamic world expresses solidarity with the Muslims of Gaza, Iran’s decision to target Pakistan instead of Israel is perplexing. Iran has no right to conduct operations within Pakistan’s borders under any title. Acting unilaterally on the pretext of combating terrorists is unacceptable and jeopardizes the peace and stability of the region. Responsibility falls on Iran’s political and military leadership.

Pakistan’s strong retaliatory action in the subsequent days rightly put Iran in its place. However, India’s unwarranted complacency following the Iranian attack quickly turned into regret after a robust counter-action by Pakistan.

Iran gained nothing from this attack and has, in fact, lost a lot. Pakistan’s distrust is evident, given instances like the capture of Kulbhushan Yadav with Iranian documents and the admission by Baloch extremist commander Gulzar Imam Shambe that he was captured by Iranian agencies.

Iran’s concerns about the activation of Gwadar due to CPEC reveal its underlying fears. Engaging in covert activities to thwart Gwadar’s success reflects Iran’s apprehensions. Despite Pakistan’s strong response, it is crucial for Iranian leaders to recognize the importance of treating Pakistan with respect and not engaging in operations unilaterally, as seen in Iraq and Syria.