Pakistan

There is no space for war between two nuclear powers: DG ISPR

Iftikhar says Pakistan and India were on the brink of war in February 2019 and armed forces gave a befitting respon
Published February 27, 2020
  • Iftikhar says Pakistan and India were on the brink of war in February 2019 and armed forces gave a befitting response to Indian misadventure.
  • Babar warns if there is a war in the region, it will have far reaching consequences.
  • DG ISPR says we are aware of all covert and overt operations of our enemies, and are prepared for all scenarios.

(Karachi) DG ISPR Maj General Babar Iftikhar said that there is no space for war between two nuclear powers and if it happens, its consequences will be disastrous. He said we are aware of all covert and overt operations of our enemies, and are prepared for all scenarios.

Addressing his first media briefing in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Iftikhar said that both Pakistan and India were on the brink of war in February 2019. He added Pakistan gave a befitting response to Indian misadventure. "Pakistan's civil and military leadership is very much aware of the game being played by India," he said.

He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to respond and surprised India on February 27, 2019. He said India wanted to surprise Pakistan but instead the armed forces surprised the Indian side and failed its nefarious designs.

He dedicated February 27 to all the martyrs who sacrificed their life in the line of duty.

Babar said, "After the Pulwama incident, India blamed Pakistan. We offered all cooperation. But on February 26, they carried out a cowardly attack. We were prepared and compelled them to retreat."

"We salute the bravery of all of our soldiers that continue to fight bravely in front of the enemy.

Regarding the situation at LoC, DG ISPR said the Indian troops targeted schoolchildren in border regions. "The most ceasefire violations were recorded in 2019."

He stated that the Pakistan Army is a responsible force. "When we are provoked we respond on military targets, while the Indian troops target civilians."

He warned that if there is a war in the region, it will have far reaching consequences.

Regarding the Kashmir issue, DG ISPR pointed out the people of occupied Kashmir have been facing major violence and oppression for the past 207 days.

"International media and human rights bodies highlighted the violence in Jammu Kashmir and the issue cannot be silenced."

He said the United Nations chief also stressed ending the oppression in the held valley. "A solution to the Kashmir issue is attached to our national interest. We stood with the Kashmiris in the past, and will do so in the future," he remarked.

"All our options are on the table. This dispute is being viewed as a flashpoint, we are moving towards a solution but the pace of this is not what it should be."

He said, "If there arises a challenge to Pakistan's security, we will respond 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 the fact 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 counter terrorism, he said the operation has brought the security situation to normal in the country.

He highlighted, "We claimed 40,000 area of land (muraba) back from terrorists."

He said, "We respect the white on our flag, and salute the sacrifices made by 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, however there 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 to facilitate a deal between the US and Taliban.

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