Sharif condemns 'unprovoked Indian firing'

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that unprovoked Indian firing is not only an "aggression against the people of Kashmir but also amounts to targeting the conscience of the world community".

The remarks came amid growing incidents of cross-border shelling that have caused civilian deaths on both sides.

Both countries accuse each other of violation of a 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region.

"Pakistan is continuously keeping the international community abreast of these provocations, ceasefire violations and trampling of human rights of Kashmiris by Indian troops," Dawn quoted Sharif said during his visit to the Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

He inaugurated a newly-constructed sports stadium at Bagh district in Kashmir as part of the developmental projects for the people affected by the 2005 devastating earthquake that had killed thousands in Kashmir and parts of Pakistan's northwest.

"Indian firing across Line of Control and the Working Boundary has increased in recent days posing threats not only to innocent people but also to peace and security of the region," he said.

He said Pakistan was drawing attention of the UN and the international community towards these violations and the threat to peace.

Talking about the country's internal situation, the prime minister said Pakistan was playing a pivotal role in the global war against terrorism. "A successful operation against terrorism is continuing and its achievements are being acknowledged by the entire world."

Sharif conveyed to the world that people of Pakistan and their armed forces are fully resolved to eliminate terrorism at all costs.

"We will also not forgive those supporting terrorists in any way. Pakistan would give gift of peace to the international community by eliminating terrorism."