Pakistan expels Iran’s ambassador; called his ambassador from Tehran; Risk of military conflict increases between the two countries

There was tremendous tension in the relations between Pakistan and Iran after the airstrike on the bases of terrorist organization Jaish-al-Adal in Balochistan, Pakistan on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Pakistan issued an order to Iran’s ambassador to leave the country. Apart from this, its ambassador present in Tehran was also asked to return immediately. However, no high level diplomat of Iran is in Pakistan at present.

According to a report by Iran media, Iran has suddenly increased the deployment of army on its border. It is believed that Pakistan’s army can retaliate against Iran by shielding the terrorists. After this attack, Pakistan Army and Government are facing a lot of disgrace in the country.

Pakistan in action

▪️On the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC or Iranian Army) attacked the positions of terrorist organization Jaish al-Adal in Balochistan with missiles and drones.

▪️A few hours later, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry had issued a statement in the night itself and registered a strong protest. According to ‘Geo News’ – After this incident, tremendous political and military exercises were seen in Pakistan. A series of meetings continued throughout the night. Army Chief Asim Munir and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar spoke on phone. After this, a meeting of Army Commanders was held in Rawalpindi.

▪️Foreign Minister’s spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon. Said- We have asked our ambassador present in Tehran to return to the country immediately. Iran’s ambassador has been asked to leave the country. However, currently Iran’s ambassador is present in his country. Iran has done a provocative act. We cannot tolerate this at any cost.

▪️Mumtaz further said- Iran has also broken international law. We are filing a complaint against this in the UN. Iran will have to remember that Pakistan has both the ability and the right to respond. This will be the responsibility of the Government of Iran. We have also decided to stop all types and levels of ongoing talks with Iran.

Pakistan will retaliate

▪️’Geo TV’ quoted a top Pakistani officer as saying – Army deployment is being increased on the Sistan-Baluchistan border with Iran. The decision to take any action has to be taken jointly by the army and the government. There are general elections in Pakistan on 8th of next month. In such a situation, the government and the army cannot take the risk of appearing weak in any way.

▪️This officer further said – Army is the biggest pride for Pakistan. Now the time has come when Iran should be told that Pakistan is a nuclear power and can play all its cards when the time comes. At present, along with the people and army of Pakistan, political parties are also on the same page. Very soon some action may be seen from Pakistan.

Ban on media coverage

▪️Pakistan said on Tuesday night that two children were killed and three girls were injured in missile and drone attacks by Iran. However, both its army and government are not ready to tell which area of Balochistan Iran actually attacked.

▪️The Pakistan government has banned any coverage of the attack on two parts of Balochistan (Panjgur and Turbat) following Iran’s attack. Not only this, a ban has also been imposed on the entry of any journalist into these areas.

▪️Even when India conducted airstrike in Balakot, Pakistan did not allow anyone to go to the location for about three months. After this, some journalists were taken to a small place and told that only a few trees were broken here. This time also Pakistan is not ready to tell the truth.

▪️On the other hand, ‘Aaj TV’ talked to some people. Most of the people said- There is tension and danger on every border. Afghanistan has closed two routes. Relations with India have completely ended. Now Iran is also openly attacking Pakistan. The army and the government are watching the show.

What do experts say

▪️Talking to ‘Al Jazeera’ TV channel, Mosharraf Zaidi, researcher of Tabadlab think tank, said – A few hours before this attack, the Foreign Minister of Iran and the Prime Minister of Pakistan had met in Davos. However, Iran has carried out this attack at a time when the situation has already become dangerous due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Iran should have shown responsibility.

▪️Zaidi further says- Pakistan will have to do something. Two ways. Either Iran should apologize for the attacks and issue a statement or Pakistan should retaliate. Iran is deliberately increasing tension in the entire region.

▪️Kamran Bukhari, senior fellow at the Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy think tank in Washington, said – Pakistan will also retaliate and because of this the situation can reach war. The problem is that Afghanistan is now overshadowing Pakistan and Iran has also opened a new front. Relations with India remain tense. I don’t understand what Pakistan wants.

China said – do not increase tension

▪️China has friendship with both Pakistan and Iran. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press briefing on Wednesday – We appeal to both the countries to resolve this matter through dialogue. Increasing tension will cause harm to both our friendly countries. Iran and Pakistan should not take any action that could threaten peace and cause the situation in the region to go out of control.

▪️Both Pakistan and Iran are members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and are close trading partners of China.