EU urges Pakistan, India to exercise maximum restraint
BRUSSELS (AFP) – The European Union (EU) on Tuesday called on Pakistan and India to exercise “maximum restraint” after Indian warplanes violated Pakistani airspace near the Line of Control (LoC), sending tensions soaring between the nuclear-armed arch-rivals.
“We remain in contact with both countries and what we believe is essential is that all exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions,” EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.
DG ISPR challenges India to stay in Pakistan for 21 minute
Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has challenged India to stay in Pakistan only for 21 minutes, as being claimed, if it has courage.
Responding to the Indian claims of attacking inside Pakistan, while addressing a presser, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said that Pakistan will respond differently and India should wait for a surprise. He also said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has clarified that Pakistan would definitely respond if attacked. “Our enemy displays foolishness even in enmity,” he said.
He refuted the Indian claims of being present inside the Pakistani airspace for 21 minutes during their LoC breach today. “Almighty Allah is all powerful. Let India come and stay in Pakistani airspace for 21 minutes. We will see what will happen next,” he termed.
The DG ISPR said that there had been tensions between Pakistan and India for the last days. “India has claimed to have killed 350 ‘terrorists’. Where are the bodies or debris if their claims are true?”
Earlier today, Indian Air Force fighter jets violated Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad Sector and had to flee following the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) immediate response, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
In a follow-up post, he added that Indian aircraft intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage was reported till the filing of this report.
“Indian aircraft intrusion across LoC in Muzafarabad Sector within AJK was 3-4 miles. Under forced hasty withdrawal aircraft released payload which had free fall in open area. No infrastructure got hit, no casualties. Technical details and other important information to follow,” the DG ISPR tweeted earlier.
