Iran’s Revisionist Misadventure-Taking Pakistan For Granted

Inam Ul Haque

25 January 2024

Published in: The Express Tribune

Pak’s response (to Tehran) was a strong message against potential adventurism by any state or non-state actors using foreign lands. It also brought decisiveness of present mil leadership into a resolute focus. If any power expected to make Bln into another FATA by pushing Pak into a four-front war (India, Afg, Internal and Iran), those hopes are dashed for now.

Pak’s tit-for-tat response without a knee-jerk reaction also enhanced its stature and relevance among important capitals. It also relatively solidified Pak’s inner front, curtailing anti-Army and anti-Gen officer propaganda by misled cadre and supporters of PTI.

Looking beyond crisis, both countries, especially Iran, would have to commit to not hosting anti-Pak elements on its soil as sponsoring Baloch terrorist outfits will force Pak likewise.

Each crisis has a silver lining, and this one would compel both countries to establish robust mechanisms to avoid a repeat. And it sends a strong message to nemesis that Pak cannot be taken for granted, despite internal pol squabbling and will not hesitate to retaliate, whatever cost.