NSC vows to respond with 'full might' to protect territorial integrity

ISLAMABAD: Amid an ongoing diplomatic row between Pakistan and Iran, the National Security Committee (NSC) Friday reiterated the country's resolve to respond with "full might" in the face of a violation of its territorial integrity under any circumstances.

The development comes a day after Pakistan carried out strikes against hideouts used by terrorist organisations, namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) inside Iranian territory using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons.

Islamabad's move was a tit-for-tat response to earlier missile strikes by Iran wherein, as per the country's state media, it had the bases of a terrorist organisation in Pakistan's "Green Mountain' area with drones and missiles and destroyed the headquarters of the said terrorist group.

Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and said Iran's envoy — on a visit home — has been expelled. However, with the ties on track, they are expected to return to their duties soon.

The United Nations, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and other global players had appealed to both sides for restraint, while China had offered to mediate.

In the meeting, the NSC — the country’s apex civil-military body — undertook a wholesome review of the situation and lauded the professional, calibrated, and proportionate response by the armed forces against unprovoked and unlawful violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

As per a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, during the meeting, the participants were briefed about political and diplomatic developments bearing upon the prevailing situation between Pakistan and Iran and its impact on the overall security milieu in the region.

'Inviolable sovereignty'

The forum also took stock of 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar', which was "successfully" executed against Pakistani-originated Baloch terrorists residing in the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.

“An update on the situation along the borders and necessary full preparations done to comprehensively respond to any further violation of national sovereignty was also deliberated about.”

The forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is inviolable and sacrosanct and any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded to with full might of the state, the statement mentioned.

"The meeting reaffirmed that the security and safety of the people of Pakistan are of paramount importance and no stone will be left unturned to ensure it," the handout read.

The forum expressed that as Iran is a neighbourly and brotherly Muslim country, existing multiple communication channels between the two countries should be mutually utilised to address each other’s security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability.

The forum, moreover, highlighted that Pakistan has suffered far more than any other country due to this scourge of terrorism.

"The meeting concluded that in line with the universal principles governing the conduct of good neighbourly relations, the two countries would mutually be able to overcome minor irritants through dialogue and diplomacy and pave the way to further deepen their historic relations."

Reciprocation of 'all positive measures'

Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the caretaker federal cabinet about the situation arising from the Iranian attack on Pakistan, a separate statement from the PM’s Office read.

In a meeting of the federal cabinet held under the chairmanship of caretaker PM Kakar, the details of the attack, as well as Pakistan’s response, were shared.

The cabinet lauded the high professionalism with which the armed forces responded to the breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and how the entire government machinery worked in unison in this regard.

Addressing the federal cabinet, the prime minister affirmed that Pakistan was a law-abiding and peace-loving country and it sought friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, particularly its neighbours.

The prime minister said that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly countries that have historically enjoyed fraternal and cooperative relations marked by respect and affection. He said that it was in the interest of both countries to take steps to restore the relationship to what it was prior to January 16.

The prime minister said that, in this regard, Pakistan would welcome and reciprocate all positive measures from the Iranian side.