Will respond to India at LoC: Pakistan's new Army chief

Islamabad: Pakistan’s new Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said that any Line of Control (LoC) violation by India will be responded with full force in the most effective manner.

Speaking to troops near the LoC, the Army Chief said Indian aggressive posture solely aims to divert attention of the world from “atrocities being committed by their troops in Kashmir.”

He said that core issue of Kashmir will have to be resolved between the two countries in the line with UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Kashmir for lasting peace in the region.

On the occasion, General Qamar Bajwa was given a detailed briefing about prevailing security situation at LoC in view of “recent violations and escalation by Indian troops,” said a military statement.

The Army Chief, it said, appreciated troops for their operational readiness and befitting response given to unprovoked Indian firing in violation of cease fire agreement.

“The Army Chief directed the troops to keep highest level of vigil at all times,” it said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan will continue extending moral, political, and diplomatic, support to the peaceful freedom struggle of the people of Kashmir.

In a meeting with Kashmiri politicians here, he said Pakistan will not forget the people of Kashmir, “who are facing brute Indian atrocities to achieve their birth right to self-determination.”

The Prime Minister urged the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leaders to focus their energies for the development and progress of Pakistan-Occupied  Kashmir.