PAK DENIES & CONDEMNS TOO
SHARIF REVIEWS SITUATION AFTER SURGICAL STRIKES REPORTS OF SURGICAL STRIKES BASELESS: RAHEEL PAK SUMMONS INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was ready to defend itself as he summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet for Friday amid growing tension with India.
The PM declared that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country.
Condemning the “unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces” along the Line of Control (LoC), he said Pakistan can thwart any “evil design” to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan.
He later reviewed Pakistan’s defence preparedness, holding talks with army chief Raheel Sharif and other top aides.
Sharif and Raheel had a telephonic conversation during which they discussed situation at the Line of Control, local media reported.
Raheel apprised the premier over the firing incidents at the LoC, the reports said, adding the army chief told him that Indian claims of surgical strikes were “baseless”.
Sharif told the army chief that the entire nation had high morale and was committed to defend the motherland along with the armed forces.
Pakistan later summoned Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale over the surgical strikes.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry “condemned the unprovoked firing by” Indian forces on the Line of Control (LoC) in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.
“These incidents are a continuation of a pattern of ceasefire violations committed by India. He (Chaudhry) conveyed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to give a befitting response to any act of aggression,” the statement said.
INDIA HAS BEEN repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terrorist activities. On the contrary, it has been engaged in aiding, abetting and funding terrorist all these days — M. VENKAIAH NAIDU, Union minister For the people of J&K, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit — MEHBOOBA MUFTI, J&K CM This is a strong message that conveys our country’s resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people — SONIA GANDHI, Congress President Army has launched a successful surgical strike and damaged terrorists in a big way without suffering any casualty. This is a proof of our Army's bravery, capacity and patriotism — AMIT SHAH, BJP President