The Foreign Office says that the security forces of Pakistan and Iran have not taken any joint action against smugglers in Balochistan.
Yesterday, Iranian media reported that the security forces of Pakistan and Iran have taken joint action against smugglers in Balochistan.
The Iranian news agency “IRNA” (IRNA). The online news site “Khorasan Diary” in Pakistan reported that powerful explosions were heard on the border between Iran and Pakistan, and wrote that these explosions were the result of joint operations of both countries against terrorists.
IRNA reported from Islamabad on Wednesday morning that Khorasan Diary English online media wrote on its X page of social media that there is news of a joint operation of both Iran and Pakistan against smugglers at zero point in Balochistan.
Khorasan Diary quoted local sources as saying that an explosion was heard on the Iran-Pakistan border and a local source said that smugglers had been targeted.
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has denied these reports.
While answering a question in the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that this is fake news, Pakistan and Iranian authorities have not taken any joint action.
He further said that ‘this is social media news which has been spread by terrorists.’
According to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistani security forces have conducted an operation against smugglers within 30 kilometers of Panjgur district of Balochistan.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Khan, Analyst on Regional Security Issues**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Khan. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent statements from the Foreign Office regarding the operations against smugglers in Balochistan.
**Dr. Khan:** Good afternoon! I’m glad to be here.
**Editor:** The Foreign Office has claimed that there has been no joint action between Pakistani and Iranian security forces against smugglers, despite reports from Iranian media suggesting otherwise. How significant is this discrepancy?
**Dr. Khan:** It’s quite significant. The narrative presented by the Foreign Office suggests a lack of coordination or possibly a different strategic outlook between the two countries regarding border security. Smuggling has been a persistent issue in Balochistan, affecting both nations, so any joint action—or lack thereof—has implications for regional stability and cooperation.
**Editor:** Why do you think the Iranian media would report joint action when the Foreign Office denies it?
**Dr. Khan:** There could be multiple reasons. It’s possible that the Iranian media might be highlighting a recent operation that involved some form of collaboration, albeit not officially recognized by Pakistan. Additionally, domestic narratives often shape how security operations are reported, potentially aiming to reflect strength in dealing with cross-border issues.
**Editor:** What challenges do Pakistan and Iran face in addressing smuggling in Balochistan, and what could a potential collaboration look like?
**Dr. Khan:** The challenges include diverse criminal networks operating seamlessly across the porous borders, political dynamics within each country, and sometimes differing priorities. A potential collaboration could involve joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations, which would require a significant leap in mutual trust and commitment to tackle these issues effectively.
**Editor:** what steps should policymakers from both countries take to encourage better cooperation?
**Dr. Khan:** Policymakers should focus on establishing clear communication channels and agreements on security matters. Regular meetings between security officials, joint training programs, and community engagement initiatives can also foster trust. Moreover, addressing the underlying economic conditions that drive smuggling will be crucial in creating a sustainable solution.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights into this complex issue.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me!
