Jingoism 101: India dares not attack but can hurt through terror: Nisar

Envoy to US says Pakistan wants peace but will give befitting response to adventurism

RAWALPINDI: Reiterating that Pakistan cannot be bullied by threats, the country’s top security czar has said that though India dared not attack Pakistan it has the ability to hurt the country through terrorism.

“India cannot wage war against Pakistan. But the enemy can hurt the country through other means such as financing and supporting terrorist activities,” said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday. “India has been financing and backing terrorist activities in Pakistan.”

Nisar was speaking to reporters at his native residence in Chakri village with reference to the war hysteria whipped up by India in the wake of September 18 attack on an Indian military base in held Kashmir.

The minister urged the United Nations to take serious note of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's belligerant statements against Pakistan and its leadership.

Nisar said the current situation demanded that the entire nation stood united to confront and respond to any act of aggression by the enemy.  He said both the government and the opposition should be on the same platform on national security issues.

“No doubt the people of Pakistan and all political parties are united for defence of their country against India. However, the opposition parties need to show practical solidarity and should not just bank on mere statements,” he said.

Nisar noted that the political parties needed to support the government and the army in the current situation. “Pakistan needs to be made strong against all kinds of threats both external and internal. We all need to keep an eye on our external and internal enemies for better future of Pakistan,” he said.

Pakistan will give a befitting response to adventurism

Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Jalil Abbas Jilani has said Islamabad wants peace and stability in the region but any misadventure from across the border will be given a befitting response.

Speaking at the inaugural sub-convention of the Pakistani-American Community, at East West University, Chicago, he said Pakistan's defence has become impregnable over the years.

“Pakistan has successfully conducted counterinsurgency operations and reversed the tide of extremism,” he said. [WITH ADDITIONAL ONPUT BY APP, RADIO PAKISTAN]

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2016.