Naseebullah Khan
Iranian attack in Balochistan (As Iranian authorities claim that they attacked the hideouts of Jaish- I- Adl_ an organization that Iran helds responsible for attacking Iran) and violation of Pakistan sovereignty was undoubtedly a miscalculated and rudderless move. In response, While Pakistan has hit 7 targets inside Iran to destroy the BLA/BLF camps in Saravan Jalg area at 6 AM on January 18 using Army and Airforce in an operation called Marg Bar Sarmachar. A tit for tat answer to Iranian attack.
By attacking Pakistan, Iran miscalculated Pakistan,s deterrence- a country which is an atomic power, has advanced sophisticated missiles, and has one of the bravest armies in the world. Iranian policy makers must have understood that Pakistan was neither Iraq nor Syria. The rapid response of Pakistan proved that Pakistan was not an inferior country which Iran thought.
Secondly, it was a wrong move on the part of Iranian authorities. Decent and peaceful nations donot stage war or infiltrate in the territory of other countries abruptly. If Iran had proofs against Jaish-I-Adl, it should have approached Pakistan and resolve the issue with diplomatic means rather than escalation. Being a peace loving state and the victim of terrorism, Pakistan is against terrorism. Attacking Pakistani soil on the part of Iran doesnot make sense.
Pakistan has always tried to have warm relations with Iran. It has always tried to resolve its grievances through dialogue and peaceful means. It is not so far when Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhev admited that he was operating in Iran against the CPEC.
The irony is that Israel has been involved in Iran and killed the most important general of Iran General Qasim Sulemani a couple of years ago. While, in response Iran remained silent. Iran has been alleging Israel for interfering but remains reticent on initiating strikes against Israel. Such development proves that there is some fisht fishy between Israel and Iran. It looks a manufactured diversion from the issue of Palestinian.
The situation was deteriorated further by immature statements of Iranian representatives. Iranian defense minister exaggerated that we have the right to defend our soil for which borders have no value. While in Devos, Iranian representative said that Jaish-I-Adl was being supported by Israel. These both assertions lack values. If Iran has an issue with Israel it should have settled its scores by attacking Israel not Pakistani civilians. In addition, Iran has further in mood to ignite the situation and has announced to held military excercises near Pakistani border. This is irresponsible, pathetic, and unacceptable.
Pakistan and Iran had been good neighbors and had friendly relations in past. Iran was the first to recognize Pakistan and supported Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 war. In 1971, all airlines of the PIA were sent to Iran for protection. In addition, Iran has been a key supporter of the stance of Pakistan on the ossue of Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistan has been supporting Iran in many issue on international level. Pakistan had wished to connect Chabahar with Gawadar and include Iran as part of the CPEC while at the same time, Pakistan has been a key player of normalizing ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Both Iran and Pakistan are Muslim brotherly states with many cultural and religious similarities. Both are not foe.
There is a dire need of de-escalation. And the key responsiblity is on the shoulders of Iranian leadership. They should feel the sensitivity of the situation. Their miscalculations about Pakistan and rudderless moves will harm Iran mostly. Sanity must prevail and all bilateral issues should be resolved through dialogue.