As with India, we also did the same to Iran. Do you recall the trees that India struck or the fantastic CHAI (Tea)? In a swift response to the recent violation of its airspace by Iran (Pakistan Iran Conflict), Pakistan carried out a targeted military operation on Thursday morning in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province. The operation, codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO).
In 2019, Pakistan reportedly aimed 12 missiles at Indian sites following intelligence about India’s missile deployment. This revelation counters claims in a book by former Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria, suggesting Pakistan’s response shattered the myth of India’s conventional superiority. The Foreign Office source dismissed the book’s portrayal of a panicked call from PM Imran Khan, affirming that Pakistan’s decision to release the captured Indian pilot was independent and aimed at easing tensions. The source also questioned the book’s timing, suspecting an attempt to project Indian PM Modi as a strong leader.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pakistan conducts precision strikes in Siestan-o-Baluchistan in response to Iran’s airspace violation, targeting terrorists in Operation ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar.’
- Iran reports civilian casualties, three women and four children, in the Pakistani strikes near Saravan, escalating tensions between the two nations.
- Diplomatic fallout ensues as Pakistan downgrades ties with Iran, recalling ambassadors, while key leaders, including Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, cut short foreign visits.
- Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi confirms Pakistan’s protest against the “illegal” airspace violation and pledges appropriate measures in accordance with international law.
- The regional conflict intensifies, with broader implications and concerns about stability, as both nations emphasize the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani’s swift return underscores the gravity of the situation, while Pakistan remains committed to peaceful relations but steadfast in protecting its security and sovereignty.
THE OPERATION (MARG BAR SARMACHAR)
The FO stated that the action was taken based on credible intelligence pointing to large-scale terrorist activities by the group known as Sarmachars. Over the years, Pakistan had consistently expressed concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists within Iran. The FO highlighted that despite sharing multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of their presence, there was a lack of action on Iran’s part.
🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
🔗⬇️ https://t.co/1n5BvtEZBZ pic.twitter.com/VVf5VwL00L
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2024
The Pakistani strikes came less than 48 hours after Iran’s own attacks on Pakistan, targeting what it claimed were bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan. This had led to a downgrading of diplomatic ties by Islamabad.
Casualties were reported by Iran following the Pakistani strikes, with three women and four children, all non-Iranian nationals, losing their lives in an assault on a village near Saravan. This incident heightened tensions between the neighboring countries, leading to the abrupt truncation of foreign visits by key figures, including Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in a press briefing, emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations but reiterated the sacrosanct nature of its security and sovereignty. She confirmed that the operational details would be provided by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi affirmed that Pakistan officially lodged a protest with Iranian authorities regarding the airspace violation, assuring that subsequent actions would align with international laws.
The recent developments mark a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Iran, with both nations emphasizing the need to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the story develops.
Note: This is a developing story about Pakistan Iran Conflict, and updates will be made as new information becomes available.
