<\/p>\n
Iran\u2019s foreign ministry on Thursday stressed that it would not allow its enemies to strain its \u201camicable and brotherly relations\u201d with Islamabad following Pakistan\u2019s retaliatory strikes over an airspace violation by Tehran.<\/p>\n
Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts in Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province earlier today, less than 48 hours after Iran violated its airspace<\/a> .<\/p>\n According to a statement issued by the military\u2019s media affairs wing, \u201chideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)\u201d were struck in an intelligence-based operation codenamed \u2018Marg Bar Sarmachar\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Iran\u2019s IRNA<\/em> news agency reported that nine people were killed in the attack targeting a village in the city of Saravan, with Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi saying all the dead \u201cwere foreign nationals\u201d.<\/p>\n Key developments<\/strong><\/p>\n Iran on Tuesday had laun\u00adched attacks<\/a> in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian state media reported, prompting strong condemnation from Islamabad and downgrading of diplomatic ties.<\/p>\n The Iranian strikes were part of a series of attacks carried out by Iran in recent days in Syria and Iraq as a response to recent terrorist attacks on its territory. They have heightened concerns about regional stability, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.<\/p>\n In its statement, issued hours after the Foreign Office (FO) announced that Pakistan had carried out \u201cprecision military strikes\u201d in Iran, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said \u201ceffective strikes\u201d were carried out against hideouts inside Iran used by terrorists responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan.<\/p>\n Iran condemned the strikes, and summoned Pakistan\u2019s charge d\u2019affaires \u201cto protest and request an explanation from the Pakistani government,\u201d according to a statement<\/a> by foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani.<\/p>\n However, the Iranian foreign ministry said in a later press release<\/a> that it was committed to good neighbourly relations with Pakistan while condemning what it said was an \u201cunbalanced and unacceptable drone attack on non-Iranian villagers\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to the policy of good neighbourliness and brotherhood between the two nations and the two governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan,\u201d the foreign ministry said, adding that it did not allow enemies to \u201cstrain the amicable and brotherly relations\u201d between the two countries \u201cespecially when the genocide and crimes of the Zionist regime are the foremost issue affecting the Islamic world\u201d.<\/p>\n Iran stressed that it differentiated between \u201cPakistan\u2019s friendly and brotherly government and armed terrorists\u201d, adding that it considered the security of its people and its territorial integrity as a \u201cred line\u201d and called on Islamabad to prevent the establishment of \u201cterrorist bases\u201d.<\/p>\n The ISPR said hideouts used by BLA and BLF were successfully struck in the military operation, adding that \u201cprecision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons\u201d while maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage.<\/p>\n \u201cThe targeted hideouts were being used by notorious terrorists including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham and Wazir alias Wazi, amongst others,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistan citizens against acts of terrorism,\u201d the army\u2019s media wing stated.<\/p>\n \u201cOur resolve to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is respected and safeguarded against any misadventure, remains unwavering. We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n The ISPR added that \u201cdialogue and cooperation\u201d was deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two brotherly countries.<\/p>\n Earlier today, the FO said Pakistan undertook a series of \u201chighly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes\u201d against terrorist hideouts in Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province.<\/p>\n \u201cOver 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<\/em> on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars<\/em> continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning\u2019s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis action is a manifestation of Pakistan\u2019s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred,\u201d said FO.<\/p>\n The statement stressed that Pakistan \u201cfully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran\u201d, adding \u201cthe sole objective of today\u2019s act was in pursuit of Pakistan\u2019s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. 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,\u201d it concluded.<\/p>\n Initially, IRNA<\/em> reported three women and four children were killed in blasts. It later updated the death toll to nine.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo men were also killed in the missile attack this morning in one of the border villages of Saravan, bringing the death toll to nine,\u201d the news agency said quoting Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor of Iran\u2019s Sistan-Baluchestan province.<\/p>\n Separately, in a press briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who is currently in Switzerland for the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), had decided to cut short his visit \u201cin light of the developments\u201d.<\/p>\n Similarly, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is in Uganda to attend a ministerial meeting of the non-aligned movement, had also decided to return to the country.<\/p>\n In response to a question, Baloch asserted that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with all countries, including Iran. \u201cBut we have also said that Pakistan\u2019s security and sovereignty is sacrosanct and Pakistan remains ready and is willing to protect itself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The FO spokesperson added that operational details pertaining to the recent developments would be coming soon from Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).<\/p>\n To another query, Baloch said Islamabad had no interest in escalating the situation and hoped that \u201cour adversaries understand this\u201d. She went on to say that Pakistan had always chosen the path of dialogue and would continue to engage with neighbours to ensure peace prevailed.<\/p>\n The FO spokesperson further stated that she was not aware of any third-party mediation between Iran and Pakistan, adding that the countries have separate channels of communication.<\/p>\n Separately, caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said the government had lodged a protest with Iranian authorities over the \u201cunprovoked violation\u201d of its airspace.<\/p>\n He confirmed that the \u201cillegal move\u201d was under investigation, state-run Radio Pakistan<\/em> reported<\/a>. Solangi said Pakistan would take appropriate measures while keeping the relevant international laws in view, especially regarding the sovereignty of the state.<\/p>\n Separately, President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan would not compromise on its national security and territorial integrity and would take \u201call necessary measures to defend its soil\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cHe lauded the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Pakistan that targeted the terrorist hideouts in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran while avoiding civilian casualties,\u201d according to a statement issued by the President\u2019s Secretariat.<\/p>\n Alvi said terrorism was a common challenge that required global efforts for its elimination.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan fully respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and expected the same from other nations not to violate international law,\u201d the statement quoted the president as saying.<\/p>\n The president further said that Pakistan and Iran were brotherly countries and they needed to resolve issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai said the entire nation was standing with the armed forces. \u201cRest assured, the terrorists belonging to BLF\/BLA will be swiftly and decisively crushed, whether they attempt to infiltrate our borders or operate from within,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n In a post on social media platform X, former prime minister and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan\u2019s territorial integrity and the well-being of its citizens were paramount.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan has taken fitting diplomatic and military steps for peace and security. We seek peace between our two neighbourly countries but reserve the right to defend ourselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n On the other hand, PTI\u2019s Barrister Gohar Khan, in a media talk outside Adiala Jail, said party chief Imran Khan was of the opinion that Iran was a brotherly country and Pakistan\u2019s response \u201cshould not exceed more than this\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Pakistan can also not give permission for intrusion in any situation,\u201d he quoted Imran as saying. \u201cOur army gave an effective and appropriate response. In these circumstances, the entire nation stands with the army,\u201d Gohar added.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (Pemra) directed all satellite TV channel licensees to exercise \u201cutmost care\u201d while reporting on tension between Pakistan and Iran.<\/p>\n All the licensees were directed to avoid telecasting\/breaking any unsubstantiated news on the recent development, Pemra said in a letter addressed to all licensees operating in news, current affairs and regional languages.<\/p>\n The authority urged them to verify the related information from the relevant institutions before broadcasting or airing.<\/p>\n It said licensees were expected to present factual information\/reports through their transmission and \u201csupport state narrative at this crucial time\u201d as and when released from the relevant institution.<\/p>\n Pemra said all news and programming heads and their respective teams should be sensitised to verify every bit of information received on their desks or Whatsapp groups, and aired only after the necessary fact-checking, \u201cas any false reporting may cause unrest and insecurity among the public.\u201d<\/p>\n It warned that if any violation was observed, reported or identified through any complaint, the authority would be constrained to proceed under the relevant legal provisions.<\/p>\n\n
BLA, BLF hideouts targeted in \u2018precision strikes\u2019: ISPR<\/h2>\n
PM, FM to cut short foreign visits<\/h2>\n
\u2018Pakistan won\u2019t compromise on national security\u2019<\/h2>\n
Pemra asks TV channels to cover Pak-Iran tension with \u2018utmost care\u2019<\/h2>\n
Airspace violation<\/h2>\n