ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday gave policy statement in theNational Assembly on recent rising tension between Pakistan and India saidIslamabad’s efforts to de-escalate tensions should not be considered as ourweakness.
Addressing the National Assembly Imran Khan said, “We tried to resolveissues through dialogue to lower tensions between both countries. Indiastarted blaming Pakistan 30 minutes after Indian soldiers were targeted inPulwama district of Occupied Kashmir.”
“I immediately offered India to provide actionable evidence because we havevowed not to allow our soil to be used against any other country.Unfortunately, war hysteria started booming in India.
“I would like to thank Pakistani media for reporting events responsibly.Our media showed mature attitude, but sadly, Indian media created warhysteria and we feared that India will do something foolish.
“India has provided dossier on Pulwama incident today after 14 days. Theyattacked Pakistan two days back. All this would have been averted if theyhad provided the details earlier.
“I was informed around 3:30am about Indian act of aggression. I talked toArmy Chief and Air Chief and discussed how we should respond. As aresponsible state, we did not retaliate immediately to avoid escalation.
“Next day, Indian fighter jets again violated Pakistan’s airspace.
“Our armed forces have fought against terrorism valiantly. They have becomebattle-hardened. However, we did not want any further escalation as itwon’t be in favor of any country.
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“Indigenous movement has started in Kashmir. The more they (Indian forces)will oppress Kashmiris, the more they will rise against them.
“No one questions why a 19-year-old made himself a human bomb to targetIndian forces in Occupied Kashmir. What was the reason that he took actionto such extent? India must realize that tactics of torture won’t workanymore. There is a need of debate on Kashmir in India.
“Indians are terming recent attacks in Kashmir as Islamic radicalism. Ifyou remember, most suicide attacks were carried out by Tamil Tigers in SriLanka.
“I tried to talk to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to de-escalatetensions but this move should not be considered our weakness.
“I am conveying a message to Narendra Modi today. I am well aware that ourarmed forces are fully ready. I feared that India might conduct a missileattack. I hope international community would play its part to control thesituation.
“As a peace gesture, we are releasing Indian pilot tomorrow (Friday).”
