ISLAMABAD: In a strong response to an “unprovoked violation” of its airspace by Iran, Pakistan has expelled the Iranian ambassador and announced the recall of its own envoy from Tehran. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson made the announcement during a press briefing in Islamabad.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and suspend all high-level visits ongoing or planned between the two countries following the “unprovoked violation of its airspace” by Tehran. “Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being,” the spokesperson said.
Terming the incident as an “unprovoked and blatant” violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, the FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, asserted that the act was in clear contravention of international law and the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. Pakistan, in response, expressed its intent to reserve the right for retaliation, emphasizing that Iran would bear the responsibility for any consequences resulting from the breach.
“This illegal act is completely unacceptable and has no justification whatsoever. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran,” Baloch said.
Furthermore, the spokesperson also revealed that Islamabad has decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act and the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran,” Baloch said, adding that Islamabad had conveyed the message to the Iranian government.
“We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, who is currently visiting Iran, may not return for the time being,” she said.
Baloch added that Islamabad had decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.
Earlier, Pakistan strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran, which resulted in the death of two innocent children while injuring three girls.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, in a statement, said this violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences.
The statement added it is even more concerning that this illegal act has taken place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan’s strong protest has already been lodged with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.
Additionally, the statement maintained the Iranian Charge d’affaires has been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey our strongest condemnation of this blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The statement added that Pakistan has always said terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region that requires coordinated action.
