Pakistan’s role during the recent tension in West Asia between America and Iran now seems to be a major diplomatic problem for itself. Pakistan has officially accepted that Iranian aircraft are present on its soil. Although Islamabad described it as normal administrative and logistics cooperation during the ceasefire, the same statement has further strengthened the allegations that Pakistan had allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airbase.
What did the Pakistani Foreign Ministry say?
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the Iranian aircraft present in Pakistan are not connected to the war or any military action. The ministry claimed that these aircraft had arrived during the ceasefire and were being used to transport officials, security teams and administrative staff associated with the negotiation process.
Many questions arose from the statement
But this statement has also raised many questions. According to American media reports, Iranian military aircraft are present at Pakistan’s Noor Khan airbase. These include RC-130 aircraft of the Iranian Air Force, which is used for intelligence gathering and surveillance. It is considered to be a special military version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
What did US officials claim?
American media network CBS News, quoting two American officials, claimed that Pakistan silently allowed Iranian aircraft to use its airfields during the US-Iran conflict. The report said that on one hand Pakistan wanted to maintain good relations with America, while on the other hand it also supported Iran.
What allegations did the critics make?
According to the report, a few days after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran sent several aircraft to Pakistan’s Noor Khan Airbase. Pakistan talked about keeping them temporarily, but critics say that long parking of military reconnaissance aircraft cannot be a part of the normal diplomatic process.
Experts believe that if Pakistan is indeed providing a safe haven to Iranian military assets, then it has weakened its image as a neutral mediator. This also indicates that Islamabad may indirectly be seen standing in favor of Tehran in the conflict in West Asia.
Questions raised on Pakistan’s role?
After this whole matter, questions are being raised on the role of Pakistan in America also. US senator lindsey grahamconsidered a close ally of Trump, has sought a “complete review” of Pakistan’s mediator role. He said on social media platform
Concern over Pakistan’s credibility increased
According to CNN report, there is increasing concern about the credibility of Pakistan even within the American administration. The report said that some Trump administration officials suspected that Pakistan was conveying Iran’s position to America in a more positive manner than it actually was. Some officials also believe that Pakistan did not properly present American displeasure in talks with Tehran.
It is being told that the reply sent by Iran to America was also sent to Washington through Pakistan. For this reason, distrust regarding Pakistan’s dual strategy has increased within the American administration.
Pakistan has long been trying to maintain balanced relations with both America and Iran. But now the information regarding the presence of Iranian military aircraft has put its diplomatic balancing policy in the dock. Analysts say that if this dispute escalates further, Pakistan may have to face pressure from America and Western countries.