TEHRAN – Irans Major General Qassem Soleimani has cautioned Pakistan against the true intentions behind Saudi Arabia’s pumping of billions of dollars into its troubled economy, saying the Riyadh regime is after breaking the Asian state apart by pitting it against its neighbors.
The commander of the Quds Force of Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) once again vowed on Thursday that Tehran will avenge the blood of those who lost their lives in last week’s bloody in southeastern Iran.
It worries Iran that the Pakistani nation and government allow Saudi money to end up in the hands of these elements, said the senior general, adding, “Saudi-sponsored terrorists on Pakistani soil are causing trouble for all of the country’s neighbors, and Pakistan must fully realize this matter.”
“We tell the people of Pakistan that they should not permit Saudi Arabia to destroy their country with its money,” said Major General Soleimani, adding that the Asian country must not turn into a place for activities that disturb regional states such as Iran, India and Afghanistan.
Last week, a bomber — identified by the IRGC as Pakistani national Hafiz Mohammad Ali — slammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a bus carrying off-duty members of the elite Iranian force in Sistan and Baluchestan Province bordering Pakistan, killing 27 of them.
The Pakistan-based Jaish ul-Adl group — which has ties to al-Qaeda and the Al Saud regime — claimed responsibility.
In the wake of the fatal terror attack, the IRGC warned Saudi Arabia and its vassal state, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of retaliatory measures for backing the terrorists on behalf of the US and the Israeli regime. It also urged Pakistan to change its policy towards Jaish ul-Adl.
Soleimani further said Iran does not want mere condolences, but concrete action from neighboring Pakistan, asking, “Can’t you, as a nuclear-armed state, deal with a hundreds-strong terrorist group in the region?”
“Iran is a safe neighbor for Pakistan and we will not threaten this country, but we will exact revenge against the Takfiri mercenaries, who have the blood of our youths on their hands” no matter where in the world they are,” Soleimani said.
The assault preceded a controversial visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan, where he received a lavish welcome.
During bin Salman’s stay, Riyadh and Islamabad inked several agreements in diverse sectors worth as much as $20bn for Pakistan, which is in desperate need of cash amid its central bank’s severe lack of foreign reserves.
The Saudi royal’s visit also coincided with a fresh wave of tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
The tensions broke out last week when 44 Indian troops lost their lives in a bomb attack in Kashmir claimed by Pakistan-based militants.
New Delhi accuses Islamabad of being behind the assault.
In Afghanistan, Pakistan also stands accused of supporting the militants operating against the Kabul government.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
ACT NOW |
MONTHLY | Rs 100 | |
YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |