Iran’s Missile Strike on Pakistani Territory: A Tense Turn in Cross-Border Relations
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The 900-kilometer border between Iran and Pakistan has long been a point of contention and hostility. Due to airstrikes by Iran on Pakistan’s land, which have resulted in the deaths and injuries of soldiers and civilians, the situation has gotten worse. These strikes represent a substantial breach of bilateral relations and international law but are also a calculated risk that might negatively affect the globe. Pakistan has strongly retaliated against Iran’s strikes, which were regarded as a breach of sovereignty that has breached Pakistan’s territorial integrity and raised the possibility of unrest and instability in the area.
Iran’s airstrikes on Pakistan’s Balochistan province on January 16, 2024, claiming that the targets were Iranian militants present on Pakistani territory, are a strategic blunder. The attacks injured several innocent bystanders and claimed the lives of two children. The incident was sharply denounced by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, which described it as “an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.” Iran has compromised Pakistan’s security and sovereignty by launching such an unjustified and indiscriminate strike, infringing on international relations norms of non-intervention and respect for territorial integrity. The concepts above are fundamental to preserving international peace and stability among nations and are outlined in the United Nations Charter and other international agreements.
Moreover, Iran’s strikes have sparked a fierce backlash from Pakistan as at least seven persons were killed in a series of military attacks on separatist terrorist hideouts in the Iranian region of Sistan launched by Pakistan on January 18, 2024. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the country had “exercised its right of self-defense,” and the attacks were “a necessary and proportionate response to the Iranian aggression.” Pakistan has delivered a strong message to Iran that it would not put up with any infringement of its sovereignty by initiating these attacks, demonstrating its willingness and capacity to protect its interests and territory. The reciprocal attacks have complicated efforts to resolve the border dispute peacefully, raising the risk of further confrontation and violence.
The border issue and sectarian difference between Pakistan and Iran were always a source of friction, but the strikes have further exacerbated the situation. Both sides have expressed rage and condemnation over the strikes, resulting in a diplomatic crisis and a military build-up. The strikes have also shown the opposing interests and stances that the two nations have in the area, particularly about the Gaza War and the involvement of Israel and its supporters. The strikes have undermined confidence and cooperation between the two neighbors and jeopardized regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, trade and commerce between Iran and Pakistan have suffered as a result of the attacks. The economic interests and standard of life of the people of Iran and Pakistan, particularly those residing near the border, have been negatively impacted by the strikes. According to specific reports, security concerns and border crossing closures have reportedly interfered with the $1.5 billion annual bilateral commerce. Also, the strikes hindered the 39 MOUs that the two sides inked in January to boost trade value to almost $5 billion annually.
The continuing Middle East conflict, in which Israel and its supporters are engaged in battles with Iran and its allies over the Gaza War, has coincided with Iran’s strikes. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, there have been rocket assaults on Israeli cities and villages, more than 2,000 casualties, and extensive devastation throughout the Gaza Strip. Reportedly, Iran has been supplying arms, money, and political assistance to Hamas, the militant Palestinian organization in charge of Gaza. Iran has also attacked Israeli soldiers and their allies in the area through its proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. The likelihood of additional escalation and conflict between the numerous parties and interests has grown due to these attacks, making the regional situation more volatile and complex. Other regional and international countries, including China, Russia, India, and the European Union, have expressed worry and attention to Iran’s strikes in Pakistan and have urged for moderation and communication between the parties involved. Iran’s actions have put not only the world’s and the region’s peace and stability in jeopardy but also its security and interests.
In a nutshell, the international community needs to denounce Iran’s strikes on Pakistan as a strategic miscalculation and an infringement on its sovereignty. By murdering and wounding innocent civilians and ignoring the fundamentals of international law and bilateral relations, Iran’s attacks have breached Pakistan’s territorial integrity. Pakistan has strongly retaliated against Iran’s strikes, which have increased tensions and hostilities between the two neighbors by starting a round of counterattacks. By taking place at the same time as the current Middle East crisis, in which Israel and its supporters are engaged in a confrontation with Iran and its allies over the Gaza War, Iran’s strikes have raised the possibility of instability and bloodshed in the South Asian region, too. In addition to supporting efforts to bring peace and stability back to the Middle East and beyond, the international community should pressure Iran to defuse the situation and work out its disagreements amicably by not violating International Law.
Researcher PolicyEast.
