Pakistan after waiting for some plausible explanation or an apology from Tehran (in fact there were celebrations), retaliated on 18th January. Fifthly, revisionist Iran also considers Subcontinent/Pakistan and Afghanistan as its erstwhile zones of influence through religious, sectarian, historic, ethnic and linguistic affinity. These undercurrents influenced Iran to strike Pakistan, an attack more damaging to Iran than Pakistan. Pakistan has demonstrated zero tolerance against foreign-based militants (TTP, BLA, BLF, etc) and would respond to their incursions cis and trans-frontier. And it sends a strong message to nemesis that Pakistan cannot be taken for granted, despite internal political squabbling, and will not hesitate to retaliate, whatever the cost.

Source: The Express Tribune January 25, 2024 11:05 UTC