Iranian stunt

FO warned Iran that responsibility for consequences would rest with Islamic Republic, its intelligence, IRGC

Iran’s surprising stunt to conduct a so-called hot pursuit inside Pakistan’s territory is worrisome. It has badly hurt the congeniality between the two states, and will take a long time in some fence-mending. The daredevil attack, carried out in the Panjgur district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, led to the killing of two innocent children, belying Iran’s claim of targeting the Jaish Al-Adl militant group. While both countries already have a counterterrorism understanding, it would have been more rational for Iran to have taken Pakistan in confidence. The Foreign Office has conveyed strongest condemnation of this blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, and warned that the responsibility for consequences would rest with the Islamic Republic, its intelligence and the IRGC.

The spin that Iran and its proxy in Lebanon are trying to portray is that the attack was choreographed with Pakistani authorities well in time. That is, however, not the case. This is why Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and suspend all high-level visits ongoing or planned between the two countries. The irritating aspect is that Iran has, for quite some time, been seen flexing its muscles. Its trigger-happiness is evident as it went for incursions in Iraq, and influenced the Houthis to go wayward extraterritorially.

Terrorism and non-state actors are a nuisance in the region, and elements like TTP and Jaish Al-Adl, as well as BLA, BLF and IS-K, are out to play havoc with peace and security. Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav crossed over from Iran to carry out his nefarious mission of destabilising Pakistan. Terrorists from across the Iranian borders have also frequently targeted Pakistan border guards. Despite being a victim of their meddling, Pakistan has desisted from taking on the terror elements inside its neighbouring countries. Instead it has always tried to use diplomatic channels to persuade them to assuage its concerns.

Terrorism is a common enemy. Who knows this better than Pakistan which has rendered countless sacrifices in the war on terror. Terrorism has to be eradicated for regional stability. But the modus operandi to go solo is unacceptable. Iran must see the bigger picture of harmony with Pakistan and desist from jingoism – and be warned that Islamabad reserves the right to respond.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2024.

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