Pakistan PM Kakar to cut short Davos trip after strikes in Iran
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos after the Asian nation conducted strikes in Iran, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
In a recent escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Iran, both countries have conducted military strikes on each other's territories, leading to civilian casualties and a diplomatic standoff. Pakistan carried out strikes in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran, targeting alleged «terrorist hideouts» and claiming the elimination of a number of terrorists.
The operation, named «Marg Bar Sarmachar,» was conducted based on intelligence regarding imminent large-scale terrorist attacks planned by these individuals. Pakistan has expressed concerns about the presence of safe havens for Pakistani-origin terrorists in Iran and the lack of action taken by Iranian authorities, despite concrete evidence provided by Pakistan.
In response, Iran conducted airstrikes within Pakistani territory, targeting what it stated were bases belonging to a militant Sunni separatist group. Unfortunately, the strikes resulted in the tragic deaths of three women and four children, all of whom were non-Iranian nationals.
Pakistan blocked Iran's envoy from returning to Islamabad post-strike, taking a diplomatic stance. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the breach of sovereignty, emphasizing existing communication channels between the two nations.
Meanwhile, India, in response to the Iranian strikes, expressed understanding for actions taken by nations in their own defense while maintaining its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.
