PAKISTAN: The recent attack by Iran on Israel has stirred mixed reactions in Pakistan, showcasing a divided sentiment among its people. A significant portion of those who follow the Shiite school of thought, aligned with Iran, view the assault as a bold response in the face of ongoing regional tensions. However, others view it with suspicion, wary of its potential consequences.
As Pakistan officially expressed its deep concern and urged for utmost restraint while monitoring the unfolding events in the Middle East, social media platforms became a reflection of people’s emotions.
“Its only Iran that has the audacity to respond to Israel’s atrocities against Palestine,” a Shiite scholar said on Monday, a day after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in the first direct attack on Israel.
The sentiment was reflected across social media platforms, where individuals voiced their opinions on the matter. Among them, Sara Ahmed, a university student, expressed her admiration for Iran’s stance, stating, “Iran’s bold move against Israel is commendable. It’s time we stand up against oppression and injustice.”
Similarly, Ali Khan, a business owner, lauded Iran’s actions, emphasizing the need for solidarity among Muslim nations. “Iran’s attack on Israel sends a powerful message of unity and defiance against Zionist aggression,” he remarked.
Tehran had been threatening to attack Israel after an air raid on April 1, widely blamed on Israel, destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 13 people, including two elite Iranian generals.
The decades-long conflict, rooted in competing claims to the land, has resulted in numerous casualties and humanitarian crises, drawing condemnation from the international community.
Ali Jan, a rights activist, expressed skepticism about the reported Iranian attack, pointing out the lack of substantial reports detailing casualties.
“Media says Iran have launched a massive attack but there are hardly any reports of casualties,” said Jan, casting aspersions on the attack.
“Whatever it is but I wish this didn’t happen. It may have far reaching consequences for the world,” he added.
In its official statement, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan said that “for months, Pakistan has underlined the necessity of international efforts to prevent expansion of hostilities in the region and for a ceasefire in Gaza”.
It recalled its earlier statement wherein it had “pointed to the dangers of the attack on an Iranian consular office in Syria as a major escalation in an already volatile region”.
“Today’s developments demonstrate the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy,” the FO said, adding that they also underlined the “grave implications in cases where the UN Security Council is unable to fulfil its responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security”.
The statement further added that “It is now critically urgent to stabilise the situation and restore peace. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and move towards de-escalation,” the FO said.
The United States has historically played a significant role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often aligning itself closely with Israel’s interests. Its support for Israel has been a point of contention, with critics accusing the U.S. of biased intervention and perpetuating the cycle of violence in the region.
From a global perspective, views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict vary widely. While some nations advocate for a peaceful resolution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, others prioritize support for Israel’s security and sovereignty.
In light of these complexities, Iran’s recent attack on Israel has added a new dimension to an already volatile situation. As Pakistan and the international community wrestle with the repercussions of this event, experts emphasize the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and concerted efforts toward achieving lasting peace.
