Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a strongly worded statement accusing India of carrying out an “unprovoked and blatant act of war”.
“India’s act of aggression has resulted in martyrdom of civilians, including women and children,” the statement says, reports Al Jazeera.
“This act of aggression has also caused grave threat to commercial air traffic. We strongly condemn India’s cowardly action, which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and established norms of inter-state relations.”
The ministry’s statement also accuses India of using the “bogey of terrorism to advance its sham narrative of victimhood, jeopardising regional peace and security”.
“India’s reckless action has brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict,” it says.
“The situation continues to evolve. Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately at a time and place of its choosing, in accordance with the Article-51 of the UN Charter, and as enshrined in international law. The government, armed forces and people of Pakistan stand united in the face of Indian aggression. They will always act with iron resolve to protect and preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”
India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday with at least eight deaths reported, and Pakistan called the assault a "blatant act of war" as the worst fighting in more than two decades erupted between the nuclear-armed enemies.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
