Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
20 January 2024 | 15:29 CAT

The flag of Iran is seen over its consulate building, with Pakistan’s flag in the foreground, Karachi, Pakistan, Jan 18, 2024 (Reuters Photo)

Pakistan carried out a series of deadly military strikes on what it said were separatist militant hideouts inside Iran in the latest incident across their shared border that has sent tensions between the two neighbours soaring.

The new strikes mean both Pakistan and Iran have now taken the extraordinary step of attacking militants on each other’s soil this week at a time of expanding conflict in the Middle East and the wider region.

The flare-up between Iran and Pakistan comes as the Middle East remains unsettled by Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and on the heels of Iranian airstrikes late Monday in Iraq and Syria.

Radio Islam International discussed the unprecedented attacks by Pakistan and Iran with a Research Analyst from Islamabad, Pakistan, Muhammed Taimur Khan.

“Initially, Pakistan was taken by surprise when a couple of days ago, Iran launched a unilateral and unprovoked attack inside Pakistani territory, targeting civilians that were on the border areas,” Khan says.

According to Khan, the Foreign Office of Pakistan condemned these unilateral and unprovoked attacks by the Iranian military.

However, Khan said it was later decided by the political and militant leadership of Pakistan to respond to these attacks by the Iranian authorities.

“Pakistan reciprocated in launching cross border, missile and ammunition attacks on several identified targets inside the Iranian territories,” says Khan.

Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks, but analysts say this week’s tit-for-tat strikes were at least partially prompted by internal political pressures.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Muallimah Annisa Essack.