— With a major strike already executed, Israel eyes wider military goals in Iran, PPP senior leader Asif Hashmi says
— As global powers watch closely, Pakistan’s role remains delicate
By Zulqarnain
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated to dangerous levels after Israel launched a massive aerial strike against 100 Iranian military targets, involving 200 fighter jets.
The attack, which Israeli officials claim was aimed at disabling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, has drawn sharp condemnation from Tehran and sent shockwaves through the region.
“Israel is preparing for a second, more extensive wave, in which it may target up to 550 Iranian aircraft, missile sites, and command centres. The plan is believed to be part of a broader Israeli strategy to cripple Iran’s offensive capabilities and possibly provoke regime instability in Tehran,” PPP founding member Asif Hashmi says on his social media post.
Iran has vowed a fierce retaliation, with military sources claiming the Islamic Republic is readying up to 3,000 supersonic ballistic missiles for potential use. The country’s leadership has vowed to neutralize Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, which has been its backbone in intercepting enemy rockets.
Asif Hashmi says the widening scope of the conflict has ignited fears of a broader regional war. “Tehran has reached out to its strategic allies – Russia and China – both of whom have strong military and economic ties with Iran to standby it in this hour of need,” Hashmi says.
While Moscow has yet to issue a military statement, Russian surveillance assets in Syria and the Caspian Sea have already been activated. China, though cautious, has condemned the Israeli strikes and warned against “unilateral aggression.”
Any direct Russian or Chinese involvement could escalate the conflict into a superpower standoff, especially as the U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf are already on high alert and patrolling near Iran’s coast.
Where does Pakistan stand?
Asif Hashmi says Pakistan finds itself in a delicate position.
” While maintaining close strategic ties with both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan also shares religious and historical bonds with Iran. Although Islamabad has not officially commented beyond a general call for restraint, it is believed that the United States has quietly consulted Pakistani officials regarding the situation,” Hashmi says.
Washington is reportedly keen on ensuring no Pakistani airspace or regional proxy groups are used in retaliation by Iran or any of its affiliates, particularly those operating in Afghanistan or Balochistan
“So far, Pakistan has adopted a policy of neutrality, emphasizing the need for diplomatic resolution and warning that a full-scale war would destabilize the Muslim world and drag South Asia into chaos,” the PPP leader says.
If Iran carries out its threats and launches a missile strike of the magnitude it has claimed, Israel is expected to invoke full-scale war powers and may even consider limited ground operations in coordination with the U.S. or NATO allies.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, both Iran-backed groups, have hinted at opening new fronts against Israel.
“The world watches with bated breath. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this remains a contained military campaign or spirals into a multi-front regional war – with global powers being pulled into its vortex,” Asif Hashmi.
For many Pakistanis, Iran is more than just a neighboring country — it holds deep religious and cultural significance. The city of Mashhad, home to the shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), and Qom, a center of Shia scholarship, are sacred to millions of Pakistani pilgrims. Each year, thousands travel by road and air to visit these holy sites, seeking spiritual connection and religious fulfillment.
“This emotional and religious bond has created a strong undercurrent of sympathy and solidarity among Pakistanis for the Iranian people, especially during times of crisis. The public sentiment in Pakistan remains supportive of Iran, driven by shared history, faith, and reverence for its sacred places,” Asif Hashmi concludes. PAK DESTINY
