Pak warns of ‘strategic miscalculation’ as 7 soldiers killed at LoC

Pakistan on Monday said seven of its soldiers were killed in “unprovoked” firing by Indian troops across the LoC, prompting it to summon the Indian envoy here and warn that India’s “belligerent” attitude might lead to a “strategic miscalculation”.

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed at the LoC in the Bhimber sector in an alleged ceasefire violation by Indian troops late Sunday night, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani army. Pakistani troops responded to the “unprovoked” Indian firing and targeted Indian posts “effectively”, it added.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale and condemned the “ceasefire” violation by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC).

The Foreign Secretary emphasised that this “belligerent attitude” of Indian forces was a “serious threat to the regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation”, the statement added.

The Foreign Secretary asked the Indian High Commissioner to convey to his government that it must stop the provocative firing and observe the ceasefire. Pakistan is pursuing a policy of restraint, which should not be construed as a sign of weakness, the statement quoted him as saying. 

It is for the second time in a week that Pakistan has summoned the Indian High Commissioner. Pakistan had on November 10 summoned Bambawale to the Foreign Office to protest against alleged ceasefire violations and use of artillery by the Indian forces.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asserted that his country is “fully capable” of defending its territory against “any aggression”.

Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives in the “latest violation of  LoC by the Indian forces” and said “it is extremely unfortunate that Indian forces have continuously violated ceasefire agreement at the LoC in the recent days”, Press Information Department of Pakistan said.  Army chief General Raheel Sharif has ordered the troops to “effectively” respond to firing by India. Raheel said army “will continue to respond effectively” and it ordered that it should “leave no stone unturned to defend motherland”.

Pakistan’s Advisor to the PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has also condemned the incident.