A file photo of a Pakistan Army soldier. PHOTO: AFP
A day after a Pakistani soldier was killed in ‘unprovoked firing’ by Indian troops at the Line of Control (LoC), Islamabad lodged a diplomatic protest, asking New Delhi to stop violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
“The Indian deputy high commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the director general (South Asia & SAARC) and a protest was lodged over the latest unprovoked ceasefire violations by India at the LoC,” read a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday.
The Pakistani soldier was killed in Battal Sector of LoC. Pakistan’s diplomatic protest coincided with a fresh ceasefire violation by Indian troops in Rawalakot where a civilian was wounded by Indian fire.
Condemning both the incidents, Pakistan expressed its deep concern over India’s ‘continuous unprovoked ceasefire violations’ at the LoC and targeting of the civilian areas, according to the statement. It said the Indian government was urged to stop forthwith ceasefire violations and observe the 2003 ceasefire arrangement for restoration of peace and tranquility at the LoC and working boundary.
“The government of Pakistan offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and prays for the departed soul and for the quick recovery of the injured,” it said.
The latest incident of ceasefire violation took place days after the heads of Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force agreed to restore ceasefire along the working boundary. Although, the agreement does not cover the LoC, Pakistan was hoping that understanding between the senior military officials would have positive impact on the de facto border in the disputed valley of Kashmir.
The latest incident also came just days before the prime ministers of Pakistan and India will be gathering in New York for the annual UN General Assembly session.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said India would have to request Pakistan if it wanted a meeting between the two prime ministers on the margins of the UN session.
“Our position is very clear. India called off the national security adviser level dialogue last month and the request for any meeting must come from you. India has to take the initiative,” Aziz said in a telephonic talk with the Indian daily.
Islamabad has not yet received any request from New Delhi for a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Aziz told the Indian newspaper. “Nothing so far,” he said, “If there is a request, our stand is clear. We want a discussion on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.”
Aziz clarified Pakistan would not have a ‘conditional’ meeting with India in New York, underlining the mutual distrust between the two sides. “India only wants to talk terror and we want discussions on all issues, including Kashmir,” the newspaper quoted Aziz as saying.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2015.
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