Pakistan summons Indian deputy HC after woman martyred in LoC firing

FO spokesperson says Indian forces are continuously targeting civilian population

Pakistan summoned on Saturday the Indian deputy high commissioner to condemn ceasefire violation in Nikial sector along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the martyrdom of a woman and injuries to three others.

"The Director General (SA & SAARC) Dr Mohammad Faisal summoned JP Singh today," said the Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement.

The deceased included 30-year-old Rudeba Kauser, daughter of Muhammad Khaim, resident of Sudhan colony, while the injured were identified as, Rudeba's three sisters, six-year-old Hubeda, 26-year-old Sufeda and 28-year-old Sumeda.

"The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary are continuously targeting civilian populated areas with heavy weapons," the spokesperson added.

In 2018, he said, the Indian forces have carried out more than 900 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the Working Boundary, resulting in the martyrdom of 21 innocent civilians, while injuring 90 others.



"This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations."

The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws.

He reiterated that the ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation.

The DG SA & SAARC urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the Working Boundary.

He urged that the Indian side should permit United Nations Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.