Proportionate Response

19 January 2024

Published in: The Express Tribune

Pak’s tit for tat response to infringement of its territorial sovereignty by Iran has been well received. Op codenamed ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’ was targeted against BLA and BLF, who had taken refuge in Saravan, Sistan-Bln and Tehran has confirmed that attack-carried out in less than 48 hours of Iranian strike in Panjgur district-has resulted in death of nine foreign elements.

Isb immediately called back its envoy from Tehran, it was followed by asking Iranian emissary not to report back to Isb. These back-to-back stern responses in diplomatic and mil realms were meant to make a point that it was not expected from a friendly country like Iran, and Pak has zero-tolerance towards aggressive stunts from any of countries against its sovereignty and integrity.

Thus, aggression received a proportionate and precise rejoinder and that too in real time to put record straight. Message should be clear not only to Tehran but any of capitals that may dare think of taking Pak’s cool for granted.

In order to address insurgency factor on part of non-state actors, a high-powered commission is desired to suggest a consensual strategy to deal with such elements. It is no secret that vested elements are out to exploit loopholes in geopolitics and that trend must be stemmed.