Remain prepared for eventualities, Imran Khan asks armed forces, people after India's surgical strike
Islamabad, Feb 26 (IBNS): In the aftermath of the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday asked his armed forces and people to remain prepared for all eventualities.
Hours after the surgical strike which is seen as a fitting reply to the Pulwama terror attack that had left over 40 Indian paramilitary personnel martyred, Khan had chaired a special meeting of the National Security Committee.
Rejecting India's claims of surgical strike, Khan's party PTI said on Twitter, "Once again Indian government has resorted to a self serving, reckless and fictitious claim."
Forum strongly rejected Indian claim of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and the claim of heavy casualties. Once again Indian government has resorted to a self serving, reckless and fictitious claim.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 26, 2019
Khan has also decided to engage with global leadership to "expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region".
The PTI said: "...PM appreciated timely and effective response of PAF to repulse Indian attempt without any loss of life or property."
He decided to engage with global leadership to expose irresponsible Indian policy in the region.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 26, 2019
PM appreciated timely and effective response of PAF to repulse Indian attempt without any loss of life or property.
Khan and his committee also alleged that India claimed the surgical strike to create an election environment in the country. India is heading towards the General Elections in slightly more than a month's time.
A special meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by the Prime Minister was held at PM’s office today. The meeting was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs,Defence,Finance,Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, COAS,CNS,CAS and other civil & military officials. pic.twitter.com/6qGNSyeydb
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 26, 2019
Khan's strong words came days after he asked India to give peace a chance.
However after the Pulwama attack, the Pakistani Prime Minister had warned India of retaliation if war is declared against his country.
India confirms surgical strike:
The Indian government on Tuesday said the IAF had carried out a "non-military pre-emptive" surgical strike.
Briefing the media, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said the strike aimed at Jaish camps.
"In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of today, India struck the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by MAULANA YOUSUF AZHAR (alias USTAD GHOURI), the brother-in-law of MASOOD AZHAR, Chief of JeM," the foreign secretary said.
Reports said 1,000 kg bombs were dropped on Jaish bases across the LoC by multiple jets, including the IAF’s Mirage 2000.
The Pulwama attack was carried out by Pakistan-based militant organisation, Jaish-e-Mohammed.
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