Pakistan says Iran entitled to retaliate as Israel breaches sovereignty
Pakistan's defense minister says the Israeli assault on the Iranian consulate in Damascus was a breach of its sovereignty, and that Tehran's reaction to the violation was defensive and in proportion to the attack.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday condemned the Israeli attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus that led to the assassination of seven senior military advisors, including a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
During a talk show, he emphatically stated that Iran is entitled to retaliate since Israel flagrantly violated the international law by attacking the Iranian consulate.
Asif said the illegal entity targeted the Iranian mission in Damascus because of Tehran's unwavering pro-Palestinian stance.
The defense minister also reaffirmed his country’s support for Gazans, saying Islamabad is firmly standing by the Palestinians.
He expressed concern that escalating tensions in West Asia could have repercussions on other nations, such as Pakistan. He further warned that countries supporting Israel could also find themselves caught in the flames of war.
“We do not want tensions to increase, however, genocide of Palestinians must be stopped,” Asif, 74, said while speaking on Geo News' Capital Talk program.
He emphasized that the Palestinians' sacrifices will not be in vain, expressing optimism that they will achieve independence in the near future.
Furthermore, he clarified that Pakistan is not under any form of pressure to recognize Israel.
Pakistanis flocked the streets on Sunday as they celebrated Iran's retaliation strikes over Israel.
Scores of people gathered in front of the Karachi Press Club to welcome Iran’s attack on Israel in retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on 1 April.
Speakers addressed the protesters and praised Iran for being “the only Islamic country” to carry out countermeasures against Israel over the past 50 years.
“We pay tribute to the government and leadership of Iran for their courageous action and congratulate them on their successful countermeasures against the murderous usurper Zionist” regime, they said.
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