Country’s defence capability acknowledged, accomplished: FO

Spokesperson says response in Balakot incident manifestation of national resolve to defeat ill designs of enemy

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan's defence capability was accomplished and acknowledged, and being fully cognisant of security needs, it was prepared to respond to any misadventure by the enemy, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said on Thursday.

“Our response in the Balakot incident was a manifestation of the capability and preparedness of our armed forces and our national resolve to defeat ill designs of the enemy,” the FO spokesperson said in response to a question at his weekly press briefing.

On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) violated Pakistani airspace near the Line of Control (LoC) and were chased away by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets which were immediately scrambled to thwart any aggressive move by the country’s eastern neighbour, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

"Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot."

The military added that no casualties or damage was reported in the area.

Pakistan, the spokesperson said, had never shied away from talks with India.

“We have consistently maintained that there is a need for a ‘meaningful dialogue’ with India and peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core issue of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”

However, the spokesperson added that for any “meaningful” and “result-oriented dialogue” to take place, a “conducive” and “enabling environment” was of utmost importance.

“We believe that India, through its illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, has vitiated the environment, therefore, the onus is on India to create an enabling environment so that a ‘meaningful’ and ‘result-oriented’ dialogue can take place."

As for the role of a third party, the spokesperson said, Pakistan had always highlighted the importance of the international community's role in averting risks to the regional peace and stability, and facilitating a lasting resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council's resolutions, which call for a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.

To another question, he said Pakistan had offered Covid-relief support to India as a gesture of solidarity and was ready to immediately provide ventilators, Bi PAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure), digital X ray machines, PPE (personal protective equipment) and related items.

“The offer was made to the Indian side through diplomatic channels and we await the response from the Indian side. We wish the Indian people early relief and recovery," the spokesperson added.

Regarding the visit by Sikh Yatrees from India, he said the visit took place under Covid-related health safety protocols strictly in line with the guidelines provided by the National Command and Operation Centre.

(With input from APP)