MOSCOW Sputnik -Pakistan link is notruling out the possibility of military tensions with Indialink similar tothose in February link inthe wake of India linkdecision revoke a special status of Jammulink and Kashmir, Pakistanlink Ambassador toRussia link QaziKhalilullah told Sputnik in an interview.
Earlier this week, the Indianlink government linkits decision to strip Jammulink Kashmir of itsspecial status and splitlink it into two unionterritories, prompting an outraged reaction fromlinklink. Prior to themost recent spike in tensions, relations between the two nationsdeteriorated dramatically back in Februarylink when Indialink carried out anairstrike in the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir after a terroristlink attacklink in Jammulink and Kashmir’s Pulwamadistrict.
“Our neighbor is unpredictable. So we have to remain ready to face any kindof situation … We also do not rule out the possibility that Indialink might stage anotherPulwama-style incident to malign Pakistanlink,” Khalilullah said.
The diplomat noted, however, that Islamabadlink was pursuing adiplomatic approach to the latest developments around Kashmir.
“Pakistan link is apeace-loving country.We have a vision of a peaceful neighborhood. We want to resolve alllink disputes,including the Jammu link andKashmir [dispute] with Indialink throughdialogue. Right now our focus is on diplomatic, political and legal options… We do not want to go towards a military option,” Khalilullah said.
The Kashmir region has been fought over between Indialink and Pakistanlink since the end ofBritish rule in the region in 1947. Following several armed conflicts, thetwo countries agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. Since, both sides haverepeatedly accused each other of violating the truce, with continuedinstability in the region leading to the emergence of various extremistgroups.
The tensions escalated dramatically after a Februarylink 14 terroristlink attacklink on an Indianlink military convoy inJammu link and Kashmir’sPulwama district in which more than 40 people were killed. ThePakistan-based terroristlink groupJaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attacklink.
Later in February link,India link carried out anairstrike in the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir, targeting what itsaid was a training camp belonging to the terroristlink.