BEIJING: China has called for restraint from both Pakistan and Iran after an unprovoked air strike carried out by Tehran on Pakistani territory, resulting in the death of two innocent children. The incident, which occurred in Balochistan province, has sparked tensions between the two neighboring nations.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the importance of de-escalation, stating, “We call on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension and work together to maintain peace and stability.” She highlighted the significance of the relationship between China and both Iran and Pakistan, considering them close neighbors and major Islamic countries.
Pakistan Expels Iran’s Ambassador, Recalls Ambassador from Tehran
Meanwhile, Pakistan has expelled the Iranian ambassador and announced the recall of its own envoy from Tehran. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson made the announcement during a press briefing in Islamabad.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and suspend all high-level visits ongoing or planned between the two countries following the “unprovoked violation of its airspace” by Tehran. “Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being,” the spokesperson said.
Terming the incident as an “unprovoked and blatant” violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, the FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, asserted that the act was in clear contravention of international law and the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. Pakistan, in response, expressed its intent to reserve the right for retaliation, emphasizing that Iran would bear the responsibility for any consequences resulting from the breach.
“This illegal act is completely unacceptable and has no justification whatsoever. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran,” Baloch said.
Furthermore, the spokesperson also revealed that Islamabad has decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act and the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran,” Baloch said, adding that Islamabad had conveyed the message to the Iranian government.
“We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, who is currently visiting Iran, may not return for the time being,” she said.
Baloch added that Islamabad had decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.
