Pakistan Expels Iran's Ambassador

Pakistan has decided to expel Iran’s ambassador while recalling its envoy from Tehran after Iran violated the Pakistani airspace on Tuesday, confirmed Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a press briefing in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Pakistan, Iran, Iran Ambassador, Pakistan Iran, Pakistan Airspace Violation, Iran Airstrike Pakistan — Pakistan Expels Iran’s Ambassador

“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 Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zehra Baloch stated during a press conference in Islamabad.

🔴LIVE: Statement by the Spokesperson on Unprovoked Violation of its Air Space https://t.co/2tktEAcdst
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 17, 2024

The development comes after Iran violated Pakistani airspace and claimed of targeting the bases of a group it deemed a terrorist organization, Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), located within Pakistani territory. According to Iranian state media, this operation involved the use of drones and missiles on the “Green Mountain,” resulting in the destruction of the headquarters of the alleged terrorist group.

The attack carried out by Iran killed two children and injured three girls on the Pakistani side, said the Foreign Office in a press release issued earlier today. Pakistan has labeled Iran’s actions as an “unprovoked and blatant” infringement on its sovereignty. Islamabad characterized this move as a violation of international law and a breach of the purposes and principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.

“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,” stated the FO spokesperson. She added that Islamabad has decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or planned between the two states in the coming days.

Expressing concern, Pakistan has cautioned Iran about “serious consequences.” The Foreign Office expressed disappointment, noting that the “unacceptable violation” of Pakistani sovereignty occurred despite the presence of multiple communication channels between the two neighboring countries.