Pakistan-Iran de-escalation after exchanging airstrikes

Islamabad, 21 January, 2024 (TDF): In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan and Iran are working towards de-escalation less than 48 hours after a series of cross-border strikes raised regional concerns.

Iran initiated the recent episode by launching air strikes on the border town of Panjgur in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan. According to Iranian state media, the targets were two bases of Baloch militants called Jaish al-Adl, which claimed responsibility for the attack on Iranian Security Forces in December. Pakistan condemned the assault, calling it a “violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, completely unacceptable, and with serious consequences.” The Foreign Office of Pakistan also reported the death of two children.

In response, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes on Iran the following Thursday morning, targeting the terrorist hideouts of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) inside Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. Iran rejected Pakistan’s claim regarding the presence of BLA and BLF within its territory, asserting that the strikes killed civilians.

A crucial aspect of the recent events is the lack of prior information provided to Pakistan about Iran’s air strikes, raising questions about trust and cooperation between the two neighbors. Pakistan expressed surprise over Iran’s actions and highlighted its historical engagement and trust in bilateral relations.

During the conversation, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasized Pakistan’s repeated requests for tangible proof supporting Iran’s allegations of terrorist factions operating from Pakistani soil. The ministers underscored collaboration on counterterrorism and committed to de-escalation. The discussion also touched upon the reappointment of ambassadors and potential visits, signaling a renewed focus on diplomatic normalcy.

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Pakistan’s PM convened National Security committee on border tensions with Iran

Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar convened the National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday to deliberate on the soaring border situation with Iran. Amid heightened tensions, the committee members expressed commitment to reducing tensions, emphasizing Iran as a “neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country.” The committee endorsed dialogue through existing communication channels to address security concerns for regional peace and stability.

Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee. pic.twitter.com/7mxrjtSMpf

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 19, 2024

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De-escalation moves by Pakistan and Iran

The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan issued a statement on Thursday, emphasizing belief in dialogue to address common challenges and rejecting the idea of escalating the situation. The statement was soon followed by a statement from Pakistan’s military media wing ISPR, saying, “Going forward, dialogue and cooperation are deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two neighbouring brotherly countries.”

These reconciliatory efforts were also reciprocated by Iran, which issued a statement late in the evening, saying Iran “adheres to the policy of good neighbourliness and brotherhood between the two nations and the two governments.”

Trade between the two continued amid the heightened tensions

Cross-border activities between Pakistan and Iran remained open, despite the exchange of airstrikes between the two countries. According to Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed, a district in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, both countries kept their borders open, despite the hostilities, allowing trade activities to persist in border towns such as Taftan, Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, and Washuk.

Customs officials in Taftan, Pakistan, confirmed that border offices remain operational, facilitating trade activities. Over 100 trucks, laden with various goods like rice and potatoes, crossed from Pakistan to Iran at the Taftan border on Thursday.

Additionally, customs authorities reported the import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from Iran into Pakistan. Mumtaz Khetran, the deputy commissioner of Panjgur, noted ongoing trade through the Chidgi border with Iran.