ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan on Thursday morning 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’, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said.
The Spokesperson 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.
However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity.
The Spokespersn said that this morning’s action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch 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.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said that 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,” the Spokesperson said.
“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,” she said.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch further 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,” the Spokesperson said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan also ended its diplomatic ties with Iran following the unprovoked violation of its airspace by the neighboring Country.
Pakistan decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and the Irani Ambassador to Pakistan was asked not to return to Pakistan.
The development has occurred following the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory which resulted in death of two innocent children while injuring three girls.
