ISLAMABAD: China has urged both Pakistan and Iran to exercise restraint following an airstrike by Tehran on Pakistani territory, resulting in the tragic death of two children and injuries to three girls.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a regular briefing on Wednesday, emphasized the need for both nations to avoid actions that could escalate tension and collaborate to uphold peace and stability.
Expressing strong condemnation, Pakistan denounced the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran, deeming it unacceptable and warning of serious consequences for such infringement on sovereignty.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan stated concern over the incident occurring despite existing communication channels between the two countries, registering a strong protest with the relevant Iranian authorities.
Both Iran and Pakistan, close neighbors and significant Islamic nations, share a partnership with Beijing and are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. While Iran’s state-run Nour News agency mentioned the destruction of the Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) militant group’s headquarters, Iran itself provided no immediate official comment.
Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai remarked on the violation damaging relations between Tehran and Islamabad, attributing external intervention attempts to enemy forces.
Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl is recognized as a terrorist group by Iran and has carried out multiple attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.
The Iranian airstrikes, targeting “spy headquarters” and “terrorist” sites in Syria, along with attacks in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, contribute to the ongoing crises in the Middle East.
These events unfold amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
