Islamabad, 18 January 2024 (TDI): Pakistan on Thursday morning conducted an intelligence-based military operation, codenamed “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” against terrorist hideouts in the Siestan-o-Balochistan province of Iran.
Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes killing several terrorists. The attacks were carried out to hit terrorists in the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
The military operation carried out by Pakistan was in response to an unprovoked violation of Pakistani airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory which resulted in the death of two innocent children while injuring three girls.
Pakistan termed the strike by Iran as a blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and a violation of international law. It also warned that the responsibility for consequences will lie squarely with Iran.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, representing the country at the World Economic Forum, will cut short his journey. The Foreign Minister is participating in ministerial meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement. Both officials are expected to return to Pakistan in light of regional developments.
Prime Minister is expected to call a National Security Meeting with top military and civil authorities to discuss further developments regarding the situation with Iran.
Foreign Office statement: Marg Bar Sarmachar operation
During a press briefing, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan stated that over the last several years, in general engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns.
The spokesperson highlighted the issue of safe havens and sanctuaries being enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists during these engagements.
These terrorists, who identify themselves as “Sarmachars,” have been a focal point of Pakistan’s ongoing discussions with Iran, as emphasized by the spokesperson.
Pakistan has shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists in the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Additionally, it has provided detailed information to support the claims.
However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity.
Subsequently, this morning’s action was taken considering credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars.
This action is a manifestation of Pakistan’s 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.
Pakistan’s national security is priority
Moreover, explaining about operation “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” the statement reads that Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people. This safety and security are considered sacrosanct, inviolable, and sacred.
Besides, Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of today’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
Especially as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. This includes a commitment to safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states.
Guided by these principles and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan asserts. It will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged. This commitment holds true under any pretext or circumstances.
Iran is a brotherly country and the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people. We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavor to find joint solutions.
Foreign Minister Iran calls Minister Jilani
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, who is currently leading the Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, received a telephone call on Wednesday. The call was from the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
The Foreign Minister firmly highlighted that the attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory, on 16th January 2024, was not only a serious breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty but also an egregious violation of international law and spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Also Read: Pakistan considers Iran’s air strikes as violation of territorial integrity
The Foreign Minister expressed Pakistan’s unreserved condemnation of the attack. He added that the incident has caused considerable damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. He added that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act.
Stressing that terrorism was a common threat to the region and required concerted and coordinated efforts to combat this menace. The Foreign Minister underlined that unilateral actions could seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, Foreign Affairs Minister, further emphasized that no country in the region should tread this perilous path.
