Pompeo played a key role in de-escalating Pak-India tension: Palladino

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino has said that Pakistan and India should focus on direct contacts. In a press briefing on Tuesday, he said that any military activity could deteriorate situation. “Defence Secretary Mike Pompeo played a key role in de-escalating tension between Pakistan and India. He is still in contact with the foreign ministers of both countries,” he said. US urges Pakistan, India to continue to take steps for de-escalation of tensions The US State Department deputy spokesperson urged Pakistan and India to continue to take steps for de-escalation of tension through direct communication. “Sometimes the US does public diplomacy. It is time for private diplomacy and private diplomacy is going on at this time,” he said. A few days ago, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian jets, giving the first surprise to India.  According to the ISPR, the Indian jets had violated the Line of Control. The PAF gave a timely response and destroyed them. The Pak Army jawans arrested one of the pilots. The wreckage of one of the jets fell in the Pakistani territory, while the wreckage of another jet fell in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan does not want to push the region to the war. “No one wins a war and only humanity loses. We are a responsible state and want peace. The war is not a solution to any problem. We do not want to do anything which will prove our irresponsibility,” he said. There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2019 On Friday, Pakistan handed over the captured Indian pilot Abhinandan to India.