ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of an unprovoked deadly cross-border air attack, Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani engaged in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, conveying a strong protest over the incident.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Foreign Office, Jilani strongly denounced the Iranian attack, terming it a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and informing that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to such provocations.
The incident occurred in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan province, sharing a border with Iran, leading to the deaths of two innocent children and injuries to three girls, prompting a swift response from Pakistani authorities.
During the call, Abdollahian assured Jilani that Tehran “respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” highlighting the importance of “continued cooperation and contacts.”
The Iranian Foreign Minister informed Jilani about the reasons behind the action on Pakistani soil, emphasizing that Pakistan’s security is inherently linked to Iran’s security. Abdollahian underscored the necessity for ongoing collaboration between the two nations against common enemies, stressing the joint responsibility of authorities.
In response to Iran’s actions, Jilani expressed deep concern, characterizing the move as an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty. He lamented the lack of prior notification from Iran and conveyed the prevailing sadness in the country following the incident. However, Jilani acknowledged his belief that Iran likely had concrete reasons and evidence for its actions.
Earlier, the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) condemned the attack as a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and a breach of international law.
In a strong response, 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.
Pakistan said its right to respond to what it deemed an “illegal act,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation and stating that the breach of sovereignty was “completely unacceptable” and lacked any justification.
