By Qamar Bashir
The Pakistani Armed Forces, renowned for their professionalism and tactical expertise, executed Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar (translated as "Death to Fighters") with remarkable precision and effectiveness. This operation, a direct response to Iran's intrusion, showcased their strategic prowess through a meticulously planned and executed strike, approximately 80 kilometers inside Iranian territory. Utilizing advanced military technology, including killer missiles, loitering ammunition, and standoff mortars, the operation targeted and successfully neutralized hideouts of the Baloch terrorist outfits BLA and BLF.
This carefully calibrated retaliation, far from being an act of aggression, was a
necessary measure of self-defense. The operation's flawless execution, coupled
with its strategic restraint, underscores Pakistan's position as a responsible military
power, fully capable of defending its national interests while adhering to
international norms and standards of warfare. This decisive action sent a strong
message about Pakistan's ability to respond to threats with precision and
professionalism, cementing its status as a formidable force in the region.
In total disbelief, the unprovoked and aggressive action by Iran was perceived in
Islamabad and across Pakistan as a profound betrayal and deceit by a nation long
regarded as a close ally sparked a deep-seated anguish among the Pakistani armed
forces, government, and citizens alike. It was not just the act itself but the sense of
treachery from a country considered a brotherly friend that intensified the
emotional response. The people of Pakistan felt an acute sense of being
backstabbed, not by a known adversary like India, but by a nation with whom they
shared a bond of brotherhood and solidarity. This event has not only caused a
strategic reevaluation in Islamabad but has also left an indelible mark on the
collective psyche of the Pakistani nation, reshaping perceptions and potentially
altering the course of regional alliances and diplomatic relations.
Perhaps soon after the attacks, Iran realized that it has committed a strategic and
tactical mistake by equating Syria and Iraq with Pakistan in terms of military
retaliation capabilities, especially considering Pakistan's status as a nuclear-armed
nation with highly trained armed forces. It realized that while Syria and Iraq due to
various internal and external factors, were not in a position to respond with
equivalent military might, Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state with a well-trained and
equipped military, presents a vastly different scenario. The capacity for significant
military response from Pakistan is considerably higher, making any aggressive
action towards it riskier.
Pakistan's status as a nuclear power adds a critical dimension to its defense
capabilities. The nuclear deterrent is a significant factor that any adversary must
consider before engaging in military actions against Pakistan. Nuclear capabilities
are not just about the potential use of nuclear weapons, but they also serve as a
strategic deterrent in international relations, signaling severe consequences in the
event of escalated conflicts.
This incident resurrected the memories of India's similar incursions in the past and
the stern lesson it learned from Pakistan's decisive and skillful retaliation. It
seemed as though Iran had overlooked or disregarded the clear message Pakistan
had sent in the past about its military capabilities and resolve to defend its
sovereignty.
In 2019, Pakistan's response to India's Balakot airstrike was a masterclass in
military strategy and diplomatic tact. Swiftly intercepting an Indian aircraft and
capturing its pilot, Pakistan turned a potential escalation point into a diplomatic
opportunity. The release of the Indian pilot was a calculated gesture of de-
escalation, earning global acclaim for Pakistan's commitment to restraint and
peace. This move significantly bolstered Pakistan's international standing,
projecting it as a nation prioritizing stability and diplomatic engagement over
extended conflict, especially crucial given the nuclear capabilities of both
countries.
In stark contrast, the recent tensions with Iran, sparked by Iranian missile strikes
resulting in civilian casualties in Pakistan, prompted a different kind of response.
Pakistan's military retaliation, precisely targeting militants within Iran's borders,
demonstrated assertiveness while carefully avoiding a broader military
engagement. This situation diverges from the 2019 scenario with India, reflecting a
more intricate and evolving diplomatic challenge.
These two episodes collectively highlight Pakistan's sage approach to regional
challenges. The nation has shown its capacity to blend decisive military action with
diplomatic sensibility effectively. The response to India in 2019 displayed
Pakistan's adeptness in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. Conversely, the
current situation with Iran tests Pakistan's ability to navigate ongoing regional
disputes, maintaining a balance between self-defense and a commitment to
regional and international peace. These instances underscore Pakistan's role as a
key player in a volatile regional landscape, capable of managing complex
international relations while steadfastly upholding its national security and
sovereignty.
Amidst the already tumultuous landscape of the Middle East, where Israel
conducts airstrikes in Gaza and the West Bank, and Hezbollah faces off in
Lebanon, the region is a tinderbox of conflict and human suffering. The United
States' operations against the Houthi tribe in Yemen, aimed at ensuring the Red
Sea's strategic trade route remains open, add another layer to this complex
scenario. In such a volatile environment, Iran's decision to launch attacks on three
Muslim countries is not only ill-timed but also exacerbates the region's instability.
This period is especially harrowing for civilians caught in the crossfire. Daily,
innocent lives are lost as collateral damage in the ongoing conflict between Hamas
and Israel, while many more suffer the brutalities of winter without adequate food
or shelter. It's a time when leadership and unity among Muslim nations are more
critical than ever. Instead of opening new battlefronts, exacerbating existing
conflicts, and adding to the regional turmoil, this moment calls for a concerted
effort towards de-escalation and peace.
Iran, with its significant influence in the region, had the opportunity to exercise
leadership by working alongside other Muslim countries to douse the flames of
conflict. Such actions could have fostered a much-needed sense of unity and
purpose among nations already burdened by war and strife. In these pressing times,
the focus should be on humanitarian assistance, diplomatic efforts to resolve
conflicts, and steps towards lasting peace, rather than engaging in actions that
further ignite the volatile landscape of the Middle East.
In the wake of the highly charged and volatile episode between Iran and Pakistan,
it is imperative that both nations exercise prudence and seek a path towards de-
escalation. The hope is that this unfortunate incident will soon be relegated to the
background, paving the way for the restoration of normal diplomatic channels.
It is crucial for Iran and Pakistan to collaboratively develop a robust, credible
strategy to dismantle safe havens for militants within their borders. This approach
should be transparent, verifiable, and based on mutual trust and cooperation.
To effectively counter the menace of terrorism, both nations must engage in
regular, in-depth dialogues at various levels, particularly among intelligence
agencies and military units. These discussions should aim to foster understanding,
share critical information, and coordinate efforts more efficiently. Additionally,
conducting joint and coordinated operations along the border regions could prove
instrumental in uprooting the entrenched terrorist networks that threaten the
security and stability of both countries.
Such collaborative efforts would not only signify a commitment to combating
terrorism but also demonstrate a shared dedication to regional peace and security.
By joining forces, Iran and Pakistan can set a powerful example of how
cooperation and strategic partnership can overcome challenges and contribute to a
safer, more stable region. The urgency of re-establishing a constructive and
cooperative relationship between these two nations cannot be overstated, especially
in a region that has long been plagued by conflict and instability.
The leadership of both countries should recognize that their people aspire not for
war and conflict, but for growth, development, and peace. The path to a prosperous
future lies in creating conditions that enable citizens to lead happy and contented
lives. This can only be achieved by avoiding war and channeling resources towards
the betterment of their nations.
Iran and Pakistan have the opportunity to exemplify how countries can contribute
positively to regional peace, emphasizing diplomatic engagement over military
confrontation. Such efforts would not only benefit their own citizens but also set a
precedent for conflict resolution and humanitarian
