Out of control: Opposition MPAs condemn Indian border aggression

‘We hope India understands that Pakistanis do not take this sort of aggression lightly’

LAHORE: MPA Faiza Malik of the Pakistan Peoples Party submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday condemning unprovoked firing by the Indian Border Security Force along the Sialkot Working Boundary in which at least four people were killed.  Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s leaders also condemned the gunfire in a statement released by the party’s Punjab office.

The resolution, submitted at the assembly’s secretariat, condemns firing by the BSF and expresses sorrow over the deaths of civilians. It also calls on the government to strongly condemn the incident and to raise the matter at an international forum. The resolution also expresses solidarity with Pakistan’s armed forces.

Condemning the incident, which took a place a day after the Pakistan Army shot down an Indian spy drone, Political adviser to PTI chief Ejaz Chaudhary said every time the Pakistan Army tries to engage with terrorists, India tries to engage the troops on the Eastern border. He said this was indicative of India’s intentions with regard to regional peace.

He said it was very unfortunate that India was now sending spy drones into Pakistani territory. He commended the downing of the drone and said it should act as a deterrent for Indians attempting to violate the Line of Control. “We now hope that they understand that Pakistanis do not take this sort of aggression lightly.”

PTI’s Andleeb Abbas expressed sorrow over the civilian casualties. She said killing of civilians was senseless and must stop immediately. “Modi’s government would be well advised not to underestimate the resolve and capacity of the Pakistani nation…it must stop its irresponsible behaviour.” She said India should refrain from violating the LoC for the greater good of people on both sides of the border. Abbas said the Pakistan army was currently engaged in the Zarb-e-Azb operation and unprovoked firing by Indians only served to distract the forces’ attention. She said the issue of Kashmir played a vital role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. She said it was essential that India understood the significance of the issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2015.