New Delhi: Pakistan said Wednesday that it had struck targets in Jammu and Kashmir’s Nowshera but it was not a “retaliation”. It said it was a demonstration of its “right, will and capability for self defence”.
In a statement issued by the foreign office hours after the “strike”, Pakistan added the action was a “clear warning” to India, and reiterated their stance with regards to the Pulwama attack, the latest trigger in escalating tensions between the two countries.
Read the foreign office’s full statement below:
Today, Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence.
We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight. For the last few years, India has been trying to establish what they call “a new normal” a thinly veiled term for doing acts of aggression at whatever pretext they wish on a given day.
If India is striking at so called terrorist backers without a shred of evidence, we also retain reciprocal rights to retaliate against elements that enjoy Indian patronage while carrying out acts of terror in Pakistan. We do not wish to go to that route and wish that India gives peace a chance and to resolve issues like a mature democratic nation.
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