The anti-Iran militant organization that kidnapped 12 border guards from Iran and brought them into Pakistan failed in their efforts to exchange prisoners with the Iranian government. This group that opposes Iran and kidnapped these border guards is a part of the minority sect of Islam in Iran, Sunni. Assumedly their religious differences are their motivation and reason for opposing Iran. The kidnapping of the guards and bringing them to Pakistan was an attempt to make a deal with the Iranian government to release prisoners that belong to this organization. Rather than cooperating with the militant organization, Jaish al-Adl, the Iranian demanded help from Pakistan itself. Pakistan used law enforcement agencies and armed forces to recover five of the abductees. They also stated that they would be continuing their search for the remaining guards.
The abduction took place in the region of Sistan-Baluchistan which borders Pakistan. This province is historically violent and is home to many militants and drug traffickers. The people of the province claim their violence is in response to Iranian oppression of Sunni which dominates the area.
It was clearly a good response on account of the Iranian government not to negotiate with the militant organization and request help from another country. This interaction demonstrates yet again the unrest in the Middle East and Iran itself. A country dominated by a singular sect of Islam creates major problems for the minority sect. It seems that instead of relieving tension between the two it gets exacerbated. If Sistan-Baluchistan is a known dangerous province why is there not more being done to prevent organizations or non-state actors from conducting schemes like these?
Pakistan’s decision to strengthen the border with more security is a small effort and should be an example to Iran.