Indian hegemony on the border will not be accepted: Nisar

Nisar says Pakistan has no reason to engage in 'adventurism' when troops are fighting militants in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Friday that Pakistan will not accept India’s hegemony on the border and will reply “befittingly” to India’s violation of ceasefire.

Echoing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s earlier statements, Nisar upheld that peace is the only way to maintain cordial relationships between the two neighbouring countries.

“Dialogue is the only way for peace,” he said, while addressing the media in Islamabad.

Referring to the National Security Committee meeting held earlier today, Nisar said top military officials had informed him that the India’s Border Security Force had been using heavy ammunition, unlike previous instances of ceasefire violations.

Refuting Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley’s claims that Pakistan initiated firing, Nisar clarified that Pakistani forces have no reason to engage in this 'adventurism' when troops are fighting a war against militants in North Waziristan.

He further added that the nation was celebrating Eidul Azha when Indian forces killed at least 12 civilians living along the Line of Control and the working boundary due to “unprovoked” firing.

“We don’t need this adventure,” the interior minister asserted, adding that India and Pakistan are both nuclear states and should act responsibly.

The interior ministry further clarified that Pakistan Army is capable of fighting local and foreign enemies and will ensure the safety of the country.

"Kashmir is the reason for the dispute and recent escalation of border clashes," Nisar said, adding that Pakistan has been actively working towards peace with its neighbour.

“Pakistan has taken positive steps to improve relations with India,” the interior minister said referring to PM Nawaz’s visit to New Delhi in May to attend his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.

“The entire nation was hopeful that this gesture will bring peace in the two counties,” he added.

However, Nisar regretfully said that despite Pakistan’s positive steps towards peace with India were not reciprocated.

“India cancelled foreign secretary-level bilateral talks on a baseless reason. Meeting with Hurriyat leaders is routine and not uncommon,” Nisar said, referring to India's reason for the cancellation of talks which were scheduled for August 25.

Poll

[poll id="1360"]