Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor, on Thursday, dismissed the aggressive posturing of the Indian Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat, as an attempt by New Delhi to “diver world attention from widespread protests” over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
In a recent statement, given on Wednesday, General Bipin Rawat said that the situation on the Line of Control (LoC) is likely to “escalate anytime.”
He said that the Indian Army must be prepared for the “spiralling of the escalatory matrix”
Pak Army Stands Prepared
DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said, “Provocative statements and preparations for escalation along LOC by Indian COAS appear to be an effort as usual to divert world attention from widespread protests in India against CAB.”
He added, “Pakistan Armed Forces shall befittingly respond to any Indian misadventure or aggression.”
Provocative statements and preparations for escalation along LOC by Indian COAS appear to be an effort as usual to divert world attention from wide spread protests in India against CAB. Pakistan Armed Forces shall befittingly respond to any Indian misadventure or aggression.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 19, 2019
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, on Thursday, shared a video message, warning New Delhi against regarding Pakistan’s desire to maintain peace as a sign of weakness.
He said, “It is cause for great concern that missiles are being deployed. The missile tests being conducted since August reveal India’s true desires of hampering regional peace and stability. There is an evident pattern in their actions.”
He added, “In view of these developments, we urge the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to conduct an independent inquiry so that the facts can be presented in front of the UN Security Council.”
The Foreign Minister observed that the UN Security Council meeting on Kashmir, convened by China on Islamabad’s request, allowed the issue to be highlighted at the right occasion.
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Highlighting the plight of the Kashmiris, the Foreign Minister said, “Extreme measures are being undertaken to suppress the rights of the Kashmiri people. There is a communication blackout and media and diplomats are barred from travelling to the occupied valley.”
He said, “The Babri Masjid verdict is another example. These measures are marginalizing India’s 200 million Muslims feel like second-class citizens.” He observed that protests are taking place all over the country and in every city and state.
Foreign Minister Qureshi observed that the Indian opposition leaders have strongly opposed the bill and have regarded it as a violation of the Indian Constitution.
Read more: Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) – An Insurance Policy
He said, “In order to divert attention from these protests, we expect India to plan something. Our intelligence reports are also indicating overwhelming movement and heavy deployment on the Line of Control.”
Qureshi said that all these indications reveal that India’s intentions are not peaceful. He said, “On behalf of the Pakistani nation, I would like to clarify to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that were are a peace-loving nation. However, we remind you not to forget the events of February 27.”
He concluded, “If you use an excuse to attack us, our army is ready to launch a befitting response.”