Pakistan also says disappointed at ceasefire violations at LoC

Image
Press Trust of India Islamabad
Last Updated : Oct 25 2013 | 4:07 PM IST
Pakistan also today said it is "disappointed" that progress has not been made on ending ceasefire violations on the LoC, a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed disappointment with his counterpart Nawaz Sharif over the continuing transgressions.
Disputing allegations that Pakistan is indulging in unprovoked firing, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry said, "We are also disappointed that progress has not been made despite the meeting of two Prime Ministers."
He alleged that while Prime Minister Sharif was in the US, Indian troops targeted 27 Pakistani posts along the Line o Control and international border.
"Even the timing was so unfortunate. (It happened) when our Prime Minister was in US ready to meet American President," he said.
Chaudhry was responding to a question at his weekly news briefing about Singh's remarks yesterday that he was disappointed with Sharif.
Singh had asked Sharif "even at this late hour" to recognise that what was happening on the LoC and international border is not good for the two countries.
Chaudhry said: "We have absolutely no interest in agitating at LoC. Why would we do that at a time when our PM is visiting the US. So we also believe that decision of the two Prime Ministers must be implemented very quickly. The military officers must meet."
Asked if he was hinting that India had deliberately increased tensions at the borders, he said, "It was an unprovoked firing on 27 of our posts which we feel is inappropriate.
"That is not to say in any way (we) detract from the wish and desire of our Prime Minister, who has repeatedly said he wants neighbourly relations with India.
"He wants to improve ties with India. But such things will also have to factored in and addressed by military officials (when they meet) so that the next phase of improving relations can begin. Our sincerity is very clear."
Asked about Pakistani troops' firing on Indian soldiers and civilians, he said, "Pakistani troops follow a policy of not indulging in firing first. They only retaliate when fired upon."
Replying to further questions, he said Pakistan has been very clear and the current leadership has made it very clear that it wants good neighbourly ties with India.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 25 2013 | 4:07 PM IST

Next Story