SIALKOT/Lahore - Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Indian aggression or any misadventure on belligerent neighbour’s part will get ‘most befitting’ response.

He said this during visits to the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and Working Boundary (WB) near Sialkot in the Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors on Monday.

Following recent jingoistic statements by General Bipin Rawat, Indian army and border force BSF have shelled populated Pakistani areas along the border for days, killing a number of people and wounding dozens.

The unprovoked aggression continued despite Pakistan’s summoning the Indian diplomat for five times to protest against violation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Gen Bajwa doubled down on the Pakistan Army’s commitment to abide by the ceasefire agreement, but warned that the restraint should not be misconstrued as response limitation.

The army chief, who was given a comprehensive briefing on the situation at the Working Boundary, lauded the effective response given by troops to Indian aggression.

During his interaction with the soldiers deputed there, he appreciated their high morale and state of preparedness as well as their selfless contribution in defending the country.

Talking to the affected people in Sialkot border villages, General Bajwa said the armed forces of Pakistan were fully capable to defend the motherland, respond to any aggression instantly and effectively.

He said that the Indian Border Security Force was showing cowardice and cruelty by targeting the civilian population.

He hailed the determination of local population against Indian shelling and firing, which has compelled many villagers to leave their homes and shift to safer places.

The COAS gave directives for enhanced protective measures, including the construction of greater community shell protection shelters for the civil population.

Later, the army chief also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Sialkot to meet the people injured in the Indian shelling.

Rawalpindi and Gujranwala corps commanders Lt-Gen Nadeem Raza and Lt-Gen Amir Abbasi were also present during the visit.

 

Dastgir’s warning

Minister for Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir on Monday also visited troops at the LoC in Chirikot area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the soldiers, he said, “Sacrifices of our soldiers and civilians have strengthened the nation and its resolve to defend its liberty at all costs.”

The minister warned that Pakistan will vigorously deter enemy’s aggression and deliver a robust response.

He said Pakistan shall continue its political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiris for their just struggle for the right to self-determination.

Interacting with the troops, he appreciated their vigilance and commitment.

“The Pakistani nation stands behind each and every one of the soldiers who are valiantly defending our borders,” he said.

He condemned repeated and ever-increasing targeting of civilians by India during its violation of ceasefire.

General Officer Commanding briefed the minister in detail on the situation along LOC, informing him that Indian Cease Fire Violations (CFVs) and targeting of civilians during had increased manifold since the past year.

He was also informed about the forceful and professional response given by Pakistan Army, and the social contributions by Pak Army in these far-flung areas.

The defence minister, along with Commander 10 Corps, also inspected the LOC areas during a helicopter flight.

 

 

Belligerent India warned of robust response

 

Zafar Malik/News Desk