Terror Victims’ Families Demand Pakistan Act Against Terrorist Groups
TEHRAN -- The Habilian Foundation, which represents families of terror victims in Iran, sent an open letter to the Pakistani government on Wednesday demanding serious and decisive action against terrorist groups operating in southeastern Iran, following recent attacks in the region.
The foundation, which says it represents the families of 23,000 Iranian terror victims, expressed deep concern over recent terrorist and violent actions by takfiri groups in Iran’s southeastern regions, including the group known as Jaish al-Adl, which now calls itself the “Popular Fighters Front.”
The letter held Islamabad responsible for failing to deal with these groups and their elements, calling it one of the main factors behind violations of Iranian citizens’ rights in Sistan-Baluchestan province and the insecurity of the region.
“The elements of terrorist groups, exploiting conditions in border areas, easily move into Pakistan and in some areas take up residence and shelter,” the letter said.
“This continuous and long-standing practice cannot occur without the knowledge of some local and central officials in Pakistan. Reports by Pakistani media and conversations with elements of these terrorist groups confirm this.”
The foundation said the issue is not merely political or a human rights matter, but also involves a set of legal obligations and international cooperation frameworks. It cited the Palmas Island arbitration ruling of 1928, the Corfu Channel case of 1949, UN Security Council Resolution 1373, Resolution 1566, and General Assembly Resolution 2625.
The letter also pointed to Pakistan’s own constitutional principles and its 2014 National Action Plan, which states that militant groups and armed gangs will not be permitted to operate in the country.
“Continued practice in which terrorist elements continuously and openly move and reside from Pakistani soil is not compatible with any reasonable
(Continued on Page 7)