Experts vehemently condemned Iran’s brazen missile attack on Pakistan and underscored that a robust and unequivocal response from Pakistan is imperative to prevent such precedents from taking root.
“Such a unilateral action by Iran is uncalled for, unprovoked, an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty and there should be a strong reaction from Pakistan because allowing this to become the new norm could pave the way for similar actions from hostile nations such as India,” said Chief Editor The Express Tribune Naveed Hussain while speaking on Express News talk show ‘Experts’ on Thursday.
Referring to past incursions by Tehran, Hussain out that the recent attack by Iran in Pakistan is not surprising. “In 2014 Iranian troops crossed the border and did a similar action and in 2023, terrorists attacked Pakistani security personnel from the Iranian province of Sistan Balochistan, resulting in casualties.”
“There is also the example of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who had been operating in Balochistan from Iran. Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front’s (BLA) operatives routinely cross the border, launching attacks on security forces in Balochistan and retreating without difficulty” added the chief editor.
The senior journalist also pointed out the internal pressure which had increased on the Iranian government to retaliate following the assault on its revolutionary guards and suicide attacks during General Qasim Sulamani’s death anniversary,
Hussain asserted that Iran also carried out attacks in Syria and Iraq by caving in under said pressure.
“Iran already has communication channels with Pakistan, if there were any concerns, Tehran should have conveyed through those channels” Hussain emphasised.
The chief editor also highlighted Pakistan’s assistance to Iran in the fight against terrorism, recalling that Islamabad had played a crucial role in capturing the Jundallah chief, predecessor of Jaish-ul-Adl, Abdolmalek Rigi, subsequently executed by Iran in 2010, leading to the elimination of Jundallah.
Express News Bureau Chief Islamabad Amir Ilyas Rana warned that Pakistan is determining the time and place. “The world will soon witness the response; those who have fired missiles in Pakistan territory will not be spared.”
“Iran did what Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is doing against Pakistan from Afghanistan, due to which Pakistan’s ties with Taliban government are strained, we did not expect an act like India’s from Iran” said the bureau chief.
Rana maintained that Iran is acting as a facilitator for Israel by attacking Pakistan and aims to escalate the war in the region. He stated that Pakistan has always helped Iran navigate through various challenges but it always tilted towards India.
Group Editor of Daily Express Ayaz Khan terming Iran’s attack shocking, said Tehran, while being a friend, has acted like an enemy country.
“The way the incursion in Pakistan is being heralded as a victory in Iran is even more shocking. At least regret should be expressed over the martyrdom of two innocent girls” Khan voiced his concern.
Khan maintained that the matter should not be escalated further as the conditions in the region are already volatile. “There is still time for Iran to attempt to defuse the issue diplomatically and apologise for their actions” Khan said.
He asserted that despite this, Iran has better relations with India than Pakistan, and Iran should not have gone to this extent. “This means you are giving Israel a free hand that we have started fighting each other, do what you have to do. Iran needs to change its approach.”
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“Muslim countries are accountable for the martyrdom of Palestinians and haven’t taken a united stand on the issue, but it is beyond understanding why Iran is taking revenge from Pakistan.”.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Ulema-e-Islam Council Allama Tahir Ashrafi, in his response, strongly denounced the Iranian missile attack on Pakistan, emphasising that Pakistan possesses the capacity for a robust response.
“The perpetrators of numerous incidents in Pakistan are in Iran, however, Pakistan has refrained from engaging in any hostile actions with its neighbour and brother country” Ashrafi asserted.
He termed the attack on the people of Pakistan as deplorable and called the subsequent accusations more regrettable and condemnable.
Expressing concern over the simultaneous attacks on Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria by Iran, Ashrafi questioned whether Iran intends to escalate the war in the entire region with such aggressive actions.
He demanded that Iran should stop blaming and apologise to Pakistan for the “most regrettable and unacceptable act”.
Additionally, Ashrafi urged the Iranian leadership to provide assurances that such actions will not occur in the future.
Express News Bureau Chief Karachi Faisal Husain also highlighted Iran’s border violations in the past and said Pakistan always ignored the intrusions by Iran as an Islamic brother country.
“Iran has always been involved in fighting against Muslims and tried to export its revolution here” Faisal added.
“Attack by Iran on Pakistan should be viewed as an assault on the entire nation, labelling it as an action by a brother or friendly country is inappropriate, we should respond to this attack as an enemy country” Faisal asserted.
Express News Bureau Chief Lahore Mohammad Ilyas said Iran’s attack on Pakistan may be a carefully orchestrated conspiracy.
He underscored Pakistan’s capability to deliver a robust and comprehensive response. Ilyas commended Islamabad’s diplomatic response, signalling to the global community that Iran’s actions constituted a significant mistake.
Source link: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453644/experts-condemn-irans-missile-attack-on-pakistan