Tazeen Akhtar
At an encouraging phase in the history of Pak-Iran close relations, an unfortunate incident of firing from across the Iranian border has marred the upward trajectory of bilateral ties by serious concerns on Pakistani side. 4 Pakistani soldiers were martyred after terrorists launched a cross-border attack from Iran on troops stationed in Chukab Sector, Panjgur, Balochistan. While in another press release ISPR shared that security forces gunned down at least 4 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Hoshab area.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Wednesday 18 Jan 2023, “Four security forces personnel embraced martyrdom in a terrorist activity from across the Pakistan-Iran border in Chukab Sector, District Panjgur, Balochistan. Terrorists used Iranian soil to target a convoy of security forces patrolling along the border. Iranian authorities have been asked to hunt down the terrorists on their side.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. No statement was noticed from Iran Government side until this report was filed.
(On 19 Jan 2023, The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack against the security forces in the border areas of Panjgur in Baluchistan resulting in the martyrdom of four dear Pakistani soldiers. while praying for these lost loved ones, it extends condolences to the survivors and family of them. Terrorism is the common pain of Iran and Pakistan and both sides have been victims of this ominous phenomenon.)
Terrorists’ firing from Irani territory coincides with the visit of Pakistani Navy Ships and Submarine to Irani port of Bander Abbas on the same day. Commodore Nasir Iqbal was received by Cap Saleh Saber at the port. Here point to note is Bander Abbas is considered as a rival port of Gwadar and vice versa. Both ports are near to each other in the same sea having the shared geographical importance. That instigates the propaganda of so called rivalry among the two ports. But the visit of Pakistani Navy ships there negates all such negatively intended opinions. Yes! the firing on Pakistani soldiers can be a desperate move to affect the Pak navy visit.
In another statement, the ISPR said that an IBO was initiated to clear a hideout linked with firing incidents on security forces along the M-8 motorway in Hoshab on a tip-off about the presence of terrorists. The location of terrorists was identified and security forces were “heli inserted” to nab the terrorists following continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of the area. During the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, all four terrorists were killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including Improvised Explosive Devices was also recovered.”
Only a day earlier, on Tuesday 17 Jan 2023, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited the Khuzdar and Basima areas of Balochistan where he was briefed on the security situation along with measures being taken to ensure a peaceful and secure environment in the province. During his interaction with troops, the COAS emphasized maintaining optimum operational readiness to thwart attempts by foreign-sponsored and supported hostile elements to destabilize Balochistan.
Pakistan is under threat from Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan TTP since last two months. TTP issued a statement regarding attacks in cities after they made many attempts on Pakistani security personnel along the Pak Afghan Border in KPK and Balochistan. Attack on Counter Terrorism Center Bannu in KPK was the biggest in a series by TTP. Pakistani Police thwarted a suicide attack in Islamabad the capital city only a couple of weeks ago. Pakistani ambassador to Kabul survived an attempt on his life narrowly during the latest series of attacks.
Here it is worth mentioning that Kabul Regime does not take any responsibility of dealing with TTP that has safe heavens on Afghan territory. Moreover, Afghan forces are themselves involved in unprovoked firing on Pakistani soldiers on the border. Afghan Regime never responded responsibly on the warnings of Pakistan.
Thus Pakistani soldiers are facing attacks from 3 sides including Afghanistan, Iran and former tribal areas that are now under KPK government. At the same time Gwadar the destination point of China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC is also disturbed where “Haqq Do” movement of locals is getting momentum day by day and becoming a big challenge for Pakistani government.
Terrorists attacks from Iran and Afghanistan, unprovoked firing by the forces of Afghanistan, TTP operations inside KPK and Balochistan and a movement against the foreigners in Gwadar are multi dimensional threats not for Pakistan only but for China as well. Major part of CPEC is in KPK and Balochistan. Gwadar is the first milestone on the route towards Middle East and Africa where the first military base of China is situated outside the mainland.
It is clear that the attacks and threats are not meant for Pakistan only. It is a per-planned attempt to keep China from reaching to M.E and Africa. Pakistan can face law and order situation in Gilgit Baltistan as well in the coming days or weeks. China can join with Pakistani efforts to keep the border with Afghanistan and Iran calm and peaceful for collective benefit of the neighboring countries.
Iran has moved forward in enhancing the bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in last few months. Both countries together tested the truck trade from Pakistan to Turkiye and Azerbaijan through Iran last year. Turkish railway was also given transit by Iran to dispatch relief goods for flood affected people of Pakistan. Both neighbors opened more entry points and established border markets. This process of building the bridges between the regional partners should not be hampered by the terrorists and their patronizers.
Afghanistan is the most fragile state to be exploited by the terrorists and their masters. Everyone knows very well who are enemies of connectivity between regional countries and whose interests are jeopardized if Pakistan becomes a hub among China, Central Asia, South Asia, Middle East etc. Kabul Regime still needs a welcome or recognition from even the neighbors and well wishers of Afghan nation. Taliban are expected to follow a rationale policy about maintaining the cordial relations with Pakistan. Taliban should contribute in Pakistani efforts to make the border peaceful and less infiltrated.
H.E Mohammad Ali Hosseini: Iran Ready to Supply Gas & Electricity to Pakistan – Flights Should be Increased – Important Energy Project will be Accomplished Soon
