Pakistan's Prime Minister on January 18 said that Iran's aggressive actions inside Pakistani territory were the main cause of the ongoing regional crisis, while stressing the urgent need for dialogue between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister's office, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar made the remarks during a meeting with military officials and the security cabinet, following Tehran's airstrike on Pakistan's Balochistan province on the night of January 16.
Kakar emphasized: "Iran's aggression is the primary factor complicating an already tense regional situation." He also reaffirmed that Pakistan had no intention of escalating the conflict but would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced it had conducted precise military strikes against terrorist targets inside Iranian territory on January 18, just days after Iran's aerial attack on Pakistani soil killed at least two children and injured three others.
Pakistan also said it had recalled its ambassador from Iran and expelled Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, who was already on a visit home.
Tensions between the neighboring countries have escalated rapidly since the start of the week, raising concerns about a wider regional crisis. Analysts suggest both sides have an interest in de-escalating, but international mediation may be needed to avoid serious consequences.
