Islamabad, 20 January 2024 (TDI): Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar, presided over two important meetings, including the meeting of National Security Committee followed by the meeting of Federal Cabinet which evaluated the recent situation with Iran.
Iran on 16th January 2024 carried out attacks inside Pakistani territory using precision missile and drone strikes, which were aimed to destroy two strongholds of the militant group Jaish al Adl in the province of Balochistan.
Consequently, Pakistan termed the strike by Iran as blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and violation of international law. It also warned that the responsibility of consequences will lie squarely with Iran.
In response, Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province on Iran.
According to the military spokesperson, the intelligence-based military operation, codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar,’ resulted in the killing of several terrorists. The attacks targeted terrorists in the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
The military targeted hideouts used by terrorist organizations, namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). The strikes involved the use of killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and standoff weapons.
Prime Minister Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar presided over the National Security Committee meeting to deliberate upon matters of national security, especially the situation with Iran and its prospects.
National Security Committee meeting
The Caretaker Ministers for Defense, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Information, along with the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and heads of intelligence agencies attended the committee meeting.
In particular, the forum undertook a wholesome review of the situation, and the participants lauded the professionalism, calibrated and proportionate response by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
During the meeting, participants were briefed about political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region.
Furthermore, the forum also took stock of the “Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar,” which was successfully executed against Pakistani originated Baloch terrorists residing on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Chairs a Meeting of the National Security Committee
The forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable and sacrosanct and any attempt by anyone to breach it on… pic.twitter.com/4bjvR0iMUB
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 19, 2024
Subsequently, the forum deliberated on updates regarding the situation along the borders and discussed comprehensive preparations made to respond to any further violation of national sovereignty.
The forum reiterated an unyielding commitment to the absolute inviolability and sacredness of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It affirmed that any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext would be met with the full might of the state.
During the meeting, forum participants reiterated that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan are of paramount importance, and every possible effort will be made to ensure it.
The forum expressed that Iran, as a neighboring and brotherly Muslim country, should mutually utilize the existing multiple communication channels between the two countries to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.
Moreover, the meeting impressed upon Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in accordance with the Charter of United Nations and international norms.
Federal Cabinet meeting
Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Federal Cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan on 16th January 2024. The briefing of foreign office highlighted the details of the Iranian attack, along with the details about Pakistan’s response to the attack.
Following the briefing, the Federal Cabinet applauded the high professionalism with which the Pakistan Armed Forces responded to the breach of the Pakistan’s sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in this regard.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired a meeting of the Caretaker Federal Cabinet today in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/Q6K4V1XdAO
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 19, 2024
Caretaker Prime Minister, while addressing the meeting affirmed that Pakistan was a law abiding and peace-loving country and it sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan and Iran, two brotherly countries, have historically fostered fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection.
Additionally, he added, that it was in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to Iranian attack. He concluded that Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side in this regard.
Also Read: What is Marg Bar Sarmachar operation?
Final considerations
In particular, the committee reiterated the resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, with an iron hand. Forums also highlighted that Pakistan has suffered far more than any other country due to this scourge of terrorism.
Lastly, the meetings concluded in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations with Iran, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations.
Also, Discussions about the return of envoys to their respective capitals was also under consideration.
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