2 Pakistani civilians killed in unprovoked Indian firing across LoC

–FO spokesperson urges India to uphold 2003 ceasefire agreement, allow UNMOGIP to operate on LoC and Working Boundary 

ISLAMABAD: The Indian Army resorted to unprovoked firing at Padhar sector on Thursday, killing two civilians and injuring two others.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal, at his weekly news briefing, said the Indian forces used heavy automatic weapons, mortars and anti-tank guided missiles targeting Bramla village. He said Pakistani troops responded effectively to the Indian fire.

Urging India to uphold the 2003 ceasefire agreement, he said a surge in Indian ceasefire violations is a matter of concern for Pakistan.

Dr Muhammad Faisal regretted that the Indian side is not allowing UNMOGIP to operate whose mandate is to maintain the ceasefire between the two countries on the Line of Control (LoC) and the working boundary.

The spokesperson noted with concern the acquittals by the Indian courts in the Makkah Masjid blast. He said the gradual acquittal of accused in the Samjhota terrorist attack, including the mastermind Swami Aseemanand, makes a travesty of the Indian judicial system.

He said India is making a complete mockery of its justice system, especially while dealing with terrorist acts committed under the garb of Hindutva and Hindu fundamentalism.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said the real concern for the international community should be aggressive posture, security doctrine and rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities in our neighbourhood.

When asked about the US diplomat Alice Wells recent visit, the spokesperson said Pakistan is maintaining contacts with the US at different levels.

About Afghanistan, the spokesperson said there is no military solution to the conflict. He said the way forward lies in a politically negotiated settlement led and owned by the Afghans themselves.