Pakistan expressed deep dismay and surprise following Iran’s missile strike within its borders on Tuesday, targeting an outlawed separatist faction situated in a distant region of Baluchistan province.
Iran’s airstrike, directed at an alleged banned separatist faction within the Pakistani border province of Baluchistan, has strained the relationship between the two neighbouring countries. This event introduces additional complexities to an already volatile region, further heightened by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In response to the unprecedented attack, Pakistan opted to recall its ambassador to Iran on Wednesday, registering its protest against the incursion. Despite this diplomatic move, both countries displayed caution, seemingly reluctant to escalate tensions further.
The South Asian nation’s decision to recall its ambassador serves as a tangible expression of discontent over the cross-border strike. However, it’s noteworthy that Pakistan, facing economic challenges, is unlikely to engage in a military response, given its current focus on deploying missile systems along the eastern border, primarily in anticipation of potential threats from India. This strategic deployment underscores the limited likelihood of an immediate military reaction from Pakistan against Iran’s actions in Baluchistan.
Jalil Abbas cautions against unilateral actions for regional stability
In a Wednesday call, Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani conveyed to his Iranian counterpart that actions taken unilaterally have the potential to undermine peace and stability in the region, as per a statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.
Understanding Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group
The Army of Justice, also known as Jaish al-Adl, emerged in 2012, primarily consisting of individuals from the Sunni militant Jundullah group. Jundullah had faced a decline when Iran apprehended a significant number of its members.It is designated as a terrorist group by Iran, Japan, New Zealand and US.
The group advocating against Iran aims for the autonomy of Iran’s eastern Sistan and Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan provinces. Both governments are concerned about this goal.
Comprising members from the Baluch community residing on both sides of the border, the group faces denial from Pakistan about having an organized presence in the province. However, Pakistan acknowledges the possibility of militants hiding in remote Baluchistan areas, the country’s largest and most sensitive province, marked by a prolonged insurgency. Separatists and nationalists within a region voice their concerns about discrimination, advocating for a fairer allocation of resources and wealth within their province.
Iran-Pak’s history of non-trustworthy relations
Iran and Pakistan have a history of mistrust, fueled by suspicions related to militant attacks. In recent years, attacks on the security forces of both countries have increased, with each side accusing the other of ignoring militant activities. Pakistan claims to have provided evidence to Iran regarding the presence of Baluch separatists launching attacks from Iranian territory.
Pakistan has taken action against some members of Jaish al-Adl, citing their responsibility for multiple attacks in Iran. The group frequently targets Iranian security forces along the Pakistan border, with militants crossing into Pakistan. Despite efforts to secure the border and establish additional checkpoints, Baluch separatists continue to pose a threat to Pakistani security forces in the province, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. Pakistan affirms that these separatists receive support from Iran.
Other countries’ reaction
Following the incident, China issued a statement advising both parties to exercise caution, urging them to prevent the situation from escalating. “We appeal to both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from actions that could heighten tension, and collaborate to uphold peace and stability,” emphasized Mao Ning, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, during a routine briefing. “Considering Iran and Pakistan as neighbouring nations and significant Islamic countries, we stress the importance of collective efforts in maintaining regional harmony,” she added.
Attacks by Jaish al-Adl in the Past
Jaish al-Adl, a militant group operating in the Sistan and Balochistan province of Iran, has been responsible for a series of attacks spanning several years.
Jaish al-Adl, a militant group in Sistan and Balochistan, Iran, has been responsible for a series of attacks since 2012. They targeted IRGC members, border guards, and police officers in a cycle of violence. Retaliating against the execution of Baloch prisoners, the group escalated attacks, including abductions and ambushes. Cross-border attacks from Pakistan resulted in casualties, and suicide bombings caused significant loss of life, notably in February 2019 with 27 killed in a bus attack. The group claimed responsibility for bombings, ambushes, and kidnappings, with notable incidents in Chabahar (2018), Zahedan (2019), and Rask (2023). In January 2024, after Iran’s missile attack on Pakistan, Jaish-ul-Adl claimed the assassination of three IRGC officials, highlighting the persistent security challenges faced by Iranian authorities.
