Islamabad: Pakistan morning conducted “Series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes” against alleged terrorist hideouts in Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran in which reportedly “Number of terrorists” were killed.

Action comes day after Iran carried out airstrikes in Balochistan’s Panjgur area, allegedly targeting Jaish al-Adl group. Strikes had killed two children and injured three girls.

President Dr Arif Alvi in statement on Pakistan’s action in Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan province said that Pakistan will not compromise on its national security and territorial integrity. President said Pakistan will take all necessary steps to defend its land.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has cut short his visit to World Economic Forum in Davos after Islamabad announced that it has conducted military strikes in Iran.  Meanwhile, Iran’s state media claimed that nine people, including three women and four children were killed in explosions reported in country’s southeast.

According to statement issued by Foreign Office, over last several years, during engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by “Pakistani-origin terrorists”, calling themselves ‘Sarmachars’ on ungoverned spaces inside Iran.

Pakistan has also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of presence and activities of these terrorists, it added. Statement adds that due to lack of action on those concerns, however, “Terrorists” continued to target Pakistanis with impunity.

“This morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars,” FO said.  FO called military action manifestation of Pakistan’s resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.  Statement concludes by saying that Iran is brotherly country and people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for Iranian people.

Deputy Governor of Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran, Ali Raza Marhamati claimed that Pakistan struck border village in province with several missiles at 4:30am. Second explosion, he added, was heard near that Saravan city in which no loss of life was reported.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 19 2024

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