Pak NSA apprises Sharif of LoC cross-border escalation with Indian troops

Pakistan National Security Adviser Lt. Gen.Nasir Janjua has submitted a comprehensive report on the Line of Control (LoC) cross-border escalation with Indian troops to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reported Radio Pakistan on Thursday.

The Prime Minister is also being briefed regularly on the situation on the LoC by the security establishment.

Sharif, according to Radio Pakistan, expressed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of the Pakistani armed forces to match any provocation by Indian security forces.

Condemning the cross-border escalation, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement, "Such falsified, concocted and irresponsible statements can only escalate the already fragile security situation in the region ...India has deliberately escalated tension at the LoC in order to divert attention... It is trying to make fool of its own people and the international community."

"We can assure India that any such aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished. Pakistan is ready to defend its people and territory from any Indian aggression or Indian State sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil," the statement added.

In the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the Indian Army claimed that it had conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. This was confirmed by Director General of Military Operations, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh.

The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into Indian territory.

"The operations were basically focused to ensure that these terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties have been caused to the terrorist and those who are trying to support them. The operation aimed at neutralising the terrorists have since seized. We do not have any plans for further continuation of the operations. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arrive," he added.