Lahore: Pakistan Peoples’ Party co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan wants friendly relations with its neighbouring countries.

Expressing his thoughts in connection with Iran’s strikes on Pakistan, former President said, “Those who will look to attack Pakistan will be given strong response.”

He said, “We want good relations with our neighbours. We want steadfast relations with neighbours in terms of equality, country has always embraced peace.”. He lavished his praise on Pak Army, saying, “Pak Army is world’s best army. Our armed forces are fully capable of defending country.”

Asif Zardari said that Pakistan wants friendly relations with its neighbouring countries. He said,We want good relations with our neighbours. We want steadfast relations with neighbours in terms of equality. Country has always embraced peace.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz reacted to Pakistan’s swift response to Iran. Taking to X, she heaped praise on armed forces for carrying out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts in Iran. “It is commendable to take swift action based on secret information and professional skills,” she said. 

Additionally, Bilawal Bhutto endorsed Pakistan strikes in Iran after western neighbour violated country airspace, saying response was Proportional and our right.

Bilawal condemned Iranian violation and said, No one should have wrong idea that they can attack Pakistan or violate its sovereignty.

I think Pakistan targeting of terrorist groups in Iran, our response was not only proportional but our right as right to self-defence under international law. Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan’s reaction was to ensure its territorial integrity and keeping well-being of citizens “Paramount”.

Taking to X he wrote, “Pakistan has taken fitting diplomatic and military steps for peace and security. We seek peace between our two neighbourly countries but reserve right to defend ourselves.” He acknowledged action taken by military and saluted “Valiant armed forces” for carrying out Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar.

PPP leader Senator Sherry Rehman termed Pakistan’s response to Tehran’s “Unprovoked” attack “Thoughtful response”, as country’s Army launches strikes on terrorist hideouts operating in Iranian territories.  She maintained that Pakistan has old ties with Iran and there is need to improve relations.

However, she acknowledged that such skirmishes along Pakistan-Iran border have been taking place for many years. Former Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Pakistan must avoid escalation in tensions with Iran. Pakistan, he added, played an active role in resolving conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran.  Hina Rabbani Khan found Iran actions Shocking, highlighting that they took place in background of Stable relationship with neighbour that it shares 900 km border with.

Former Ambassador Abdul Basit said Pakistan and Iran must resolve matter through diplomacy. Pakistan’s western neighbour have displayed “Irresponsibility” by attacking Pakistan Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive Vice President of Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said he is “Stunned by absolute idiocy of Tehran striking Pakistan.

An expert on Iran’s foreign policy wrote, “Tehran has bombed targets in three countries, none of which had anything to do with Kerman terror attack.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 19 2024

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