Releasing captured Indian pilot positive move by Pakistan for peace: PPP
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Thursday said that releasing captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was another positive move by Pakistan for peace.
Addressing to the joint parliament session of the National Assembly, the PPP Leader commended the armed forces for giving a swift and befitting response to the Indian aggression. He said the House was reflecting emotions of the entire nation, adding, that releasing captured Indian pilot was another positive move by Pakistan for peace.
“We are peace lovers but our sovereignty was challenged, we know how to defend the motherland,” he said. “We are all united and firmly standing behind their armed forces. He said Pakistan does not want war, but if imposed we will fight till the last drop of our blood,” he added.
The PPP leader said the armed forces of Pakistan deserved immense tribute, adding, “Our forces responded to Indian aggression while at the same time avoided escalation.” He said two nuclear-armed states standing in front of each other is dangerous for world peace.
The PPP leader further said Pakistan had itself been a victim of terrorism and laid thousands of sacrifices. He maintained that war is an issue in itself and it does not resolve issues.
He also said that Pakistan should register strong protest with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) over invite to Indian minister of foreign affairs to attend its meeting scheduled next month.
“We should not boycott the OIC, rather we should send our delegation to them. We should inform our friends, convince them,” he suggested.
Responding to this point, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, “We have conveyed our concerns to the OIC Secretary General through a letter.”
Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Ghaus Baksh Mehr said all the political parties are united at this critical situation and stand by their armed forces. He said India should act responsibly as war between two nuclear countries will have disastrous consequences for the region.
Leader of Opposition in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq said Pakistan should forcefully raise the longstanding Kashmir dispute at all the international forums besides unmasking the maltreatment being meted out to the minorities including Muslims in India.
Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rasheed said India has hegemonic designs in the region and it is resorting to provocations to establish its hegemony.
He commended Pakistan Air Force for shooting down the two Indian aircraft saying the PAF is far superior than the Indian air force as it has indigenously developed JF-17 fighter jets.
PM announces to release captured Indian pilot tomorrow
Earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced to release the captured Indian pilot tomorrow as a peace gesture. He said this is a first step towards deescalating. He also urged the international community to play its due role to contain further escalation between Pakistan and India.
However, the prime minister warned that any escalation on part of India will force Pakistan to retaliate in self-defence. He said Pakistan is a peace loving country and desires peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan is making efforts to deescalate the current tension.
