By Manahil Jaffer

In the early hours of 17th January 2024, Pakistan undertook a series of meticulously planned surgical strikes against terrorist hideouts in Iran's Sistan-o-Baluchistan province. Codenamed "Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar" this decisive action marked a resolute response to years of unheeded concerns, escalating violence, and flagrant disregard for Pakistani sovereignty.

For years, Pakistan has endured the festering wound of cross-border terrorism from Iran, its innocent civilians bled dry by the insidious cancer of "Sarmachars," Pakistani terrorists finding safe havens in the ungoverned spaces of Iran. Despite repeated appeals, concrete evidence, and even shared dossiers detailing their nefarious activities, Iran failed to take meaningful action against heinous perpetrators.

Pakistan's restraint and its patience should not be misconstrued as its weakness. The unwavering commitment of Pakistan military in safeguarding national security could not be compromised with empty pleas or diplomatic niceties. When credible intelligence revealed impending large-scale attacks by these so-called Sarmachars, the time for words was already over. The operation stands as a testament to the professionalism and courage of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Its apt and meticulous execution not only neutralized immediate threats and killed a number of terrorists but also served as a potent reminder that Pakistan is ready to defend its territorial integrity against all enemies. The armed forces of Pakistan are capable of delivering a befitting response to anyone, who dare threatening our national security.

Let it be unambiguously stated that Pakistan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, including Iran. Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar is a targeted, surgical operation undertaken solely in pursuit of national security requirement, a right enshrined in international law. Pakistan has and will continue to, uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including the respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, which has consistently sought to navigate even the most delicate geopolitical situations through diplomatic channels. The Balakot airstrike of 2019 and today's Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar are indicators that Pakistan will not silently endure blatant violations of its territorial integrity. The world must take note: Pakistan's response is not merely a military operation but a message, a line in the sand drawn with the blood of innocent civilians. It is a declaration that Pakistan will not be a silent spectator or a victim sacrificed at the altar of another nation's apathy or complicity.

The road to regional stability is paved with mutual respect, non-interference, and a shared commitment to combating the scourge of terrorism. Iran, at this critical juncture, must choose: will it continue to harbour terrorists, providing terrorist a safe haven to launch murderous attacks against Pakistan, or join hands with its neighbour in a genuine and concerted effort to eradicate the menace of extremism?

Pakistan extends its hand in friendship, but it also offers a stark warning. Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar was not a fleeting act of vengeance; it is a turning point, a definitive moment, where Pakistan chooses to stand firm against the tide of aggression.