Pak undertakes a series of highly coordinated & specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran: FO Spokesperson

ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (SABAH): On Thursday morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. A number of terrorists were killed during the Intelligence-based operation – codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’.

  This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement and later on while addressing weekly press briefing on Thursday. She said that over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that however, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent 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.

She said that 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 will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred.

She said that Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of Thursday’s act was in pursuit of Pakistan’s own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.

She said that as a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that 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 endevaour to find joint solutions, she said.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar who is currently in Davos to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has decided cut short his visit in view of the ongoing developments.

She said that at WEF, the Prime Minister participated in the Informal Gathering of the World Economic Leaders (IGWEL), and delivered keynote address at the event titled “Trade Tech’s Trillion-Dollar Promise” and held meetings with participating leaders on the sidelines.

She said that Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani is in Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 & China. His participation in these important summits is a reflection of the high priority Pakistan attaches to promoting cooperation among the Global South, including on issues related to sustainable development. The Foreign Minister has also cut short his visit in light of recent developments.

She said that the 14th of January 2024 marks a painful milestone for the human conscience. It was the 100th day of Israel’s war on Palestine, which has taken over 24,000 lives in Gaza – a toll that is escalating with each passing day. The indiscriminate violence by Israel has to end. Humanity must prevail. The international community must play its part in saving the people of Palestine from the barbaric acts of the occupation authorities.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the month of January carries painful memories of three massacres committed by the Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during 1990s.

Over 50 innocent people were martyred and hundreds were injured when the Indian troops had opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful protesters in Gaw Kadal area of Srinagar on 21 January 1990. A few days later, on 25 January 1990, at least 21 unarmed Kashmiris were martyred by the Indian troops in north Kashmir’s Handwara town. On 27 January 1994, a day after India’s Republic Day, Indian troops massacred 27 civilians in Kupwara town.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that we remember the martyrs of these massacres and pay rich tribute to their sacrifices. The perpetrators of these massacres should be held accountable.

She said that Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.