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Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Abbas said on Monday that Nato and Isaf are “trying to wriggle out of the situation” by claiming that the Pakistani troops fired at them first. Referring to the apology issued by Nato Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Sunday, he told Express 24/7:
“This (apology) is not good enough. We strongly condemn the attacks and reserve the right to take action.”
Abbas said that the attack on Pakistani troops was “indiscriminate, highly callous and irresponsible”.
He reiterated that the Pakistani side did not fire towards the Afghan border, and said media reports that suggested otherwise are "untrue".
“There is no reason for the fire to be initiated from our area,” he said, adding that Mohmand Agency has been cleared of militancy and that the army has regained control of the area.
“We have cleared the area and lost 70 officers in the operation already. Now we have to face the brunt of Nato from the other side?”
He stressed that the issue needs to be investigated, and the cause and use of weapons will be thoroughly explored.
In an interview on Sunday with British newspaper the Guardian, Abbas said he did not believe Isaf or Afghan forces received fire from the Pakistani side.
“I cannot rule out the possibility that this was a deliberate attack by Isaf,” said Abbas. “If Isaf was receiving fire, then they must tell us what their losses were.”
Pakistani army officials said the posts that were attacked were about 300 metres into Pakistani territory. Isaf officers, however, maintain that the border in that area is disputed.
Abbas told the Guardian that the firing lasted for over an hour, and that Isaf made “no attempt” to contact the Pakistani side.
“This was a visible, well-made post, on top of ridges, made of concrete. Militants don’t operate from mountaintops, from concrete structures.”
But a report in Monday’s Wall Street Journal — denied by Islamabad — said the Nato jets and helicopters responded to firing from a Pakistani post on the ill-defined Afghan border.
The article, which followed a similar report by the Guardian, cited three Afghan officials and one Western official as saying the air raid was called in to shield allied forces targeting Taliban fighters.
Nato and Afghan forces “were fired on from a Pakistani army base”, the unnamed Western official told the Wall Street Journal. “It was a defensive action.”
US to conduct independent investigation: Report
Along with expressing its support for immediate investigation into the Mohmand Agency attack, the United states is planning its independent investigation into the incident that left 24 Pakistani troops dead.
According to a report in the Washington Post, General James Mattis, head of US Central Command, was expected by Monday to name an investigating officer to examine the incident. The US Central Command oversees American military operations in the region.
An early Saturday morning attack by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) helicopters killed at least 24 security personnel and injured 12 soldiers on a Pakistani check post in Salala, which is located in the Tehsil Bayzai area of Mohmand Agency on the Pak-Afghan border.
The United States has been told by Pakistan’s military leadership to evacuate a logistically key airbase it operates in Balochistan – Shamsie Airbase – within 15 days. In addition, Pakistan’s fury was driven home with an official statement that it will shut down Nato supply routes operating through its territory – something that has happened for the first time, though supply routes have previously been temporarily blocked unofficially following similar attacks.
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COMMENTS (86)
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@RizwanTKhan: US wants the men who kill our soldiers also.
@Muhammad Ahsan Khan: Our just better trained
We should expect that in a couple of weeks from now the routes will be opened up without any apology from US and any explanation from Pak
who is apologising?
Good job my salaud hindu brothers.
The only ray of light we can see is IMRAN KHAN. Vote for him to bring the change in our Country or we will end up complaining just like the TV Anchors do (SIT AND TALK AND SHOW THE REAL FACES OF POLITICIANS). Its Imran who has took the next step unlike all these TV Anchors... to bring the change and take it to Action...
Who is stopping Legends like Hamid Mir and Shahid Masood to join hands with Imran Khan? No one but I dont understand why they keep running their TV shows doing the same things again and again. When will they get fed up of their job and take the next step. Yes Hamid Mir and Shahid Masood we know who the culprits are. Now please help the nation further and bring the change moving into action...
of course yes. how can we forget the good old dollars......
Yep, apology is not enough for the army. It wants Uncle Sam to fork out a few more billions of dollars.
Why does the spokesman always appear with army officers in Napolean or Alexander-like poses? What is this trying to convey? it's scandalous actually.....
If the attack went on for an hour (or more) as per media reports, then why was the PAF never called in? My sympathies are with the families of the soldiers who lost their lives. Pakistan should take whatever they think is the correct course of action. However the story is not making sense.
According to some reliable western newspapers the shamsi airbase may already be empty?? So is this another big lie from the pak govt? We shouldnt get carried away with what the Pak govt says anymore. Not long ago a resolution was passed by the parliament asking America to put a stop to all drone attacks. Its also about time the pakistani people question the capabilities of its so-called powerful and professional army. This is the second direct military attack by american backed forces within pakistan. First being the murder of bin laden. So guys.. where was ur army?? Sleeping again?? Its easy to ask for an apology from nato and the usa, but surely u should question the capabilities of ur own army. Why is no one within the pakistani hierarchy and its media asking these questions? If haqqani can resign then why cant an army general be asked to do the same? Its a disaster!
Need take strong actions against NATO AND ISAF Forces
Pakistan must strike back, kill their solders and than apologize and conduct an independent inquiry. If not, Pakistan must permanently block NATO routes, no matter what sort of apologize is conveyed. If Pakistan will not respond properly now, we will be hit again. These criminals, called U.S and NATO, are not the ones who can be stopped by words, they understand the language they speak!
Sympathies to the families of the dead soldiers.
But perhaps now Pakistanis can can get a sense of bitterness annd frustration that Indians feel at the protection afforded to people who have killed ordinary Indian civilians such as lashkar-e-taiba, Dawood Ibrahim etc
The first casualty of war is the truth. It's highly unlikely we will get to know what really happened. It looks like both sides will bluff and bluster for some time, a settlement will come about and business as usual will follow. As for the people, well, what really can they do ?
@ali: the AWACS and the JF17S are busy on the border with india:)
we are fully with Pakistan Armay
Indian conspiracy... i think it was indian air force inside those helicopters who killed my bros & sistas..
Army bhai, first you tell us why you did not responded to US helicopters which kept on bombarding our post for 3 hours continuously?
@Investorpedia: so what do you suggest...an all out war?
NATO forces were fired on from Pakistani base and NATO strike was a defensive measure? It's time Pakistani army use appropriate force every time it comes under fire from either NATO or the so called Afgan forces. It takes two to tango, you know. Take a helicopter or three down which will hopefully put some sense in them. We're really tired of American bullies. I am personally up for armed confrontation with Americans. Enough is enough. Period.
next time, listen to Imran Khan, before its too late!!
@Vijay K: And you are there to add fuel.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS...... but unfortunately our military seems all talk no work. If i had a dime for every time i hear such statements from our officials I'D BE RICH. They say" WE CONDEMN SUCH ACTIONS AND WILL STRIKE BACK".... yeah right.. they'll pass statements and more statements and a few for statements... until 30 more troops get killed. And then the CYCLE STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN....so much for the uncompromising SOVEREIGNTY OF PAKISTAN.
When will our AWACS and JF17 will actually our soldiers. After multiple attacks on the western border, its time to defend it.
Sons of this soil have died.... now many are thinking that is it worth it to stand and guard the border because they didn't choose to sacrifice their lives llike this....!
Usa and nato is doing to paksan what you do to goats and cows. You love them, take care of them then when the tome comes, you kill them. Usa is doing just that, so why all these tears?
Can someone explain this to me bacause I can't understand. If pakistani soliders saw NATO planes in their territory and decided to fire on them than what is wrong with it? Wouldn't the army of every country do the same. Also 2 hours is a long time. Why did the airforce not retaliate. Are their radars and minds always closed.
@let there be peace: Is he oficial spokesperson of Pakistan’s ‘Government’ ?
No, He IS "The Government."
@Khan: to Cautious "lets be practical if we want to avoid any such incidents we MUST fence that border completely " Good, but now the question arises "where is that mythical border?". Afghans believe that you are trespassing on what is Afghan territory. You cannot validate a trespass by erecting a fence; they won't let you!
Great stand by Pak Army... If we accept NATO apology this time then in future what is the guarantee that they will not do it again...They will again attack our Pak army and just say Sorry.... Our leaders should take a firm stand on this issue....
The apology is good but joint border patrols of Pakistani Army and coalition forces would be better.
@ Spaniard : ........ Unless they give more money.
Nato is the group of international imperialism so their force doing that which is the fenefits of imperifalism.so they can air attack on the pak area
enough is enough its time to respond Pakistan against natto .. we overseas pakistani are also united against natto and specially US
We want those NATO people who killed our men. We want them NOW! ... we all nation are united. Pakistan Zindabad
We strongly condemn the attacks and reserve the right to take action
Is he oficial spokesperson of Pakistan's 'Government' ?
@Cautious: Mate, Lets not jump to the conclusions ... Not everything NATO says is correct .. They would make you believe they own all of Afghanistan too. Even Americans and British soldiers were involved in friendly fires as we know ... lets be practical if we want to avoid any such incidents we MUST fence that border completely where ever possible and send back refugees .. Let not play Afghanistan card any more let them work towards their country's future and focus on ours only. Afghanistan can't give us anything even if you want to take part in this process so called End Game. Seal the border who ever is ruling there will be dependent for their trade upon us and that's good enough for us.
Apology Not Good Enough !
This means we have got one more incident (like Raymond Davis) to corner and to extract more billions from Amreeka ! YIPPEEE !!
NATO well knew the location of Pakistani posts as this information has already been shared with NATO. This strike is to give some hidden message to Pak Army.
We want those NATO people who killed our men. We want them NOW!
If you fired first then NATO is being gracious in providing any condolences. With due respect for the casualties history would argue that it is likely that Pakistani soldiers fired first - NATO doesn't have motive to do a sneak attack on a Pakistani border outlet --- but it's common knowledge that the Pakistani military has been infiltrated with anti American extremist.
Just lock horns with the US and Nato afterall they'll kill us one by one in such fabricatd attacks... We are ready
Proxy war with China has just begun!!! Previously we were fighting proxy war with Afghans
Porxy Proxy proxy!!
I wish some day our politicians and army have the courage to decide to take appropriate action.
Some day we shoot down their intruding choppers , or send our aircrafts to attack on their miltary posts.
May be I sound emotional , but how long we should compromise our integrity on the name of wisdom.
First 3 soldiers , than Abbotabad and now 26 soldiers , is there any body who can take notice.
What is the worst if we fight back ? I guess there are nations who are eye to eyes with USA , and I think they are sustaining too , and not only sustaining but doing quite well.
One hour aggression duration is enought time to react. if only of our fighter would airborne the brave NATO heliopter would be on the run.
Let an investigation be held. Then comment.
There was plenty of time and very good reason therefore for Pakistan to take action and very effective one.
The UNAMED sources of the western press are DUBIOUS. Did these sources contact the western press immediately after the firefight to tell them the "TRUTH". Doubt it.
what has happened has happened my simple question is why has the President and PM of Pakistan mnot yet visited the injured soldiers in the hospital to express their solidarity with the injured? Are our soldiers some kind of Pariah that they are being ignored? I hope you agree with me. Had this been in another country the head of the state would go and visit the injured and also meet the family of the dead guys. For Gods Sake make the soldiers feel they are worthy Pakistanis.
oh,oh...this is what Nato cheif said "“My most sincere and personal heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of any members of Pakistan security forces who may have been killed or injured,”"...there isn't a single word came close to apology in that piece,either ISPR spokes person or me reading it wrong(yellow spokesperson)
"Abbas told the Guardian that the firing lasted for over an hour, and that Isaf made “no attempt” to contact the Pakistani side."
What were you doing for that 1 hour???????? Where was our response team? Why did we not scramble our jets in response?
That is the question!!
And sorry for what ? What is the U.S apologizing for if it was being fired upon by the pak forces ? What foolishness ! If they were really being fired at then why the apology ?
It's time like these we have to stop being complacent and cowardly, and become ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED!! What is wrong with some of you people, do you not have ANY value for life? Not even your own?? These lives meant something to every one of us Pakistani's...we won't let this go so easily, as we've done in the past.. winds of change are HERE... if you disrespect your own sovereignty & independence, dignity, or else you'll be inviting others to do so too..
True - mere apology not accepted. Apology + aid = Allright.
Atlast we are getting our position back after a long time, Atlast time has come and Allah has given us a chance again to gain our value which was lost by perveiz Musharaf.
American & NATO forces attacked Pakistan Military Posts to protect their assets Pakistani Talibans
@Akthar: Oh I see what you mean! Usually old soldiers never die they just fade away but in case of Pakistani generals, they are omnipresent and neither die nor fade away; like Musharaff, Hamid Gul, Durrani etc, etc. Thanks for clarification.
@Hasan: Why he should resign? He is an army spokesman, not COAS. His job is to interact with media which he is doing fine.. However army need to wake up. Where was our air cover? They kept bombing them for an hour and no air cover was provided to them. Why our Air force is always sleeping?
Major general sahab should have warned any misadventure the next time will result being shot down and killed.
What Pak Army did in the reply of HeliCoptrs attack ?
@Faraz: sir its only limited time *
@ MarkH and what does US do. Have they found the nukes in Iraq for which they attacked it? Dont try to always blame Pakistan for everything. Pakistan's only fault that leads to incidences like these is that it has been polite with US. Time to show some integrity and aggressive attitude to the world.
Dr. Who!: Gen Niazi is sitting there right at the center and showing a finger. He means to say there`s nothing we did, we can do or we will do. Take the humiliation with a gulp like we did during Raymond Davis, or May 2nd and let it go.
Express Tribune Editorial was absolutely right, though i thought otherwise yesterday. We got carried away in Anger and frustration.
Who started and who retaliated is a mutual blaming game.
The reality is that Pakistan lost 24 soldiers in this battle.
How many of NATO soldiers were dead?
If none then it is evident who is the agressor.
@MarkH: remaining silent to baseless allegations is not an option either
I heard that Shamsie Airbase was already under the process of being evacuated and NATO forces were shifting to somewhere else in the country! This is just a stunt
NATO apologized so many times. It’s the sixth time NATO forces has fired on Pakistani Check posts. Nation displayed solidarity, unity and standing shoulder to shoulder with her armed forces. Pakistan should make NATO and U.S. clear that “enough is enough”. NATO should know that no further attack would be acceptable to Pak in future. NATO must be made to pay these families and help them in any way possible including education for their children with college grants outside Pakistan and care for these soldiers’ families.
Major-General Athar Abbas, if the reports are true will you be resigning?
Well said from Pak Army, NATO is making lame excuses to hide their shameful action and unprovoked attache on Pakistan territory.
Pak Army should break their teeth and we the people of Pakistan are standing beside our brave soldiers to fight against any power which think to harm our beloved country.
Also everyone knows that Hamid Karzai is just another USA puppet and play toy like zardari...
Its seems difficult that Shamsie Airbase will be cleared by USA. But Pakistan should stop the Oil supply to NATO forever basis.
Which one is Generak AAK Niazi, one in the middle or on right flank?
Stop trying to distort facts ET, the checkposts were 1.5 miles (2.5 km) inside Pakistani territory.
We DO NOT accept NATO apology : PAK-Army
All the NATO supplies blocked are PERMANENT: PakNationalists.
Long Live Pak-Army.
If Nato was not under fire before attacking our base then Pakistan should not remain silent in this matter, at least do something to prevent such incidents in the future. I think its a conspiracy to breaken ties between Pakistan and America so America continues to violate our premises.
Has that guy ever given any statements that weren't generic denials about anything? Really. That's actually a real question. Have they ever admitted to something they did that was unflattering? Because there's no way they're historically clean. If not, you could just train a parrot to say "didn't do it" and it would be just as effective and credible.
Enough is enough! It will be a shame on us and our army if we (govt./armed forces) do not retaliate appropriately and take actions according to the situation at hand.
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.NATO chief's statement now never coerce you to think that this NATO's strike was in self-defense.This is NATO's old game to camouflage the most ever worst defeat in Afghanistan by handful Taliban/Alqaeda/Haqqani network that first NATO's choppers attack on Pakistan by violating Pakistan's aerial borders then apologizes.Please stand strong against these such types of cowardice activities by US' and NATO's troops and choppers in the future and destroy them on the spot when these are seen.May Allah Almighty and His greatest and endless favors and blessings always be with you.
Despite feeding news for public consumption, the two parties know very well who is lying. The point is Pakistan Army is at the totum pole of credibility. It should therefore be very careful with the statements, which must be factually correct and made only after thorough investigations.
Good Response ISPR...Keep it up...PLease never open their supplies..
I like the background
What are you Doing Now? Just Complain to US? Nothing is going to happen, They are going to Strike again, better be prepared, Stop depending on US, You are powerful, Strike back or else you got to Face More...Wake Up Pakistan before it is too late...!!!