ISLAMABAD – DG ISPR Maj General Babar Iftikhar said that there is no spacefor war between two nuclear powers and if it happens, its consequences willbe disastrous. He said we are aware of all covert and overt operations ofour enemies, and are prepared for all scenarios.
Addressing his first media briefing in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Iftikharsaid that both Pakistan and India were on the brink of war in February2019. He added Pakistan gave a befitting response to Indian misadventure.“Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is very much aware of the gamebeing played by India,” he said.
He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to respond andsurprised India on February 27, 2019. He said India wanted to surprisePakistan but instead the armed forces surprised the Indian side and failedits nefarious designs.
He dedicated February 27 to all the martyrs who sacrificed their life inthe line of duty.
Babar said, “After the Pulwama incident, India blamed Pakistan. We offeredall cooperation. But on February 26, they carried out a cowardly attack. Wewere prepared and compelled them to retreat.”
“We salute the bravery of all of our soldiers that continue to fightbravely in front of the enemy.
Regarding the situation at LoC, DG ISPR said the Indian troops targetedschoolchildren in border regions. “The most ceasefire violations wererecorded in 2019.”
He stated that the Pakistan Army is a responsible force. “When we areprovoked we respond on military targets, while the Indian troops targetcivilians.”
He warned that if there is a war in the region, it will have far reachingconsequences.
Regarding the Kashmir issue, DG ISPR pointed out the people of occupiedKashmir have been facing major violence and oppression for the past 207days.
“International media and human rights bodies highlighted the violence inJammu Kashmir and the issue cannot be silenced.”
He said the United Nations chief also stressed ending the oppression in theheld valley. “A solution to the Kashmir issue is attached to our nationalinterest. We stood with the Kashmiris in the past, and will do so in thefuture,” he remarked.
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“All our options are on the table. This dispute is being viewed as aflashpoint, we are moving towards a solution but the pace of this is notwhat it should be.”
He said, “If there arises a challenge to Pakistan’s security, we willrespond immediately.” He warned, “Do not test our integrity.”
To a question about India’s defence, the DG ISPR said: “We are prepared.India is among the top three countries for military spending. Despite thefact we are 100% capable.”
He said the armed forces will not let anyone harm the country.
Regarding operation Raddul Fasaad, which was launched in 2017 to counterterrorism, he said the operation has brought the security situation tonormal in the country.
He highlighted, “We claimed 40,000 area of land (muraba) back fromterrorists.”
He said, “We respect the white on our flag, and salute the sacrifices madeby religious minorities.”
Commenting on the US-Taliban peace deal taking place on February 29,Iftikhar stated that this is the domain of the Foreign Office, howeverthere is no news regarding a delay in the signing of the deal.
He said Pakistan has good relations with Afghanistan and it did its best tofacilitate a deal between the US and Taliban.
