ISLAMABAD: In wake of the fast developments taking amid tensions with India, Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic contacts with friendly states to keep them in picture over the hostile posture adopted by India. However, there is no official alarm as the armed forces have been issued directions and the government officers are working per routine.
An informed source says that Pakistan was ready to thwart any challenge from air, ground or water and threat perception assessment was being made. Though there are reports that India may plan surgical strikes in Bahawalpur or Muridke, the source says that all options were being kept open and no area was being ignored.
“We know that the threat is imminent and we are ready. But we have decided not to push the panic button. We have decided not to announce emergency situation but at the same time we are not writing off anything. All options are open for now,” the source said and added that keeping in view the nature of the threat, a Crisis Management Cell (CMC) has been established in Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) which would work round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, to keep in touch with concerned departments and would pass on the updates to all organs of the state.
“The Cell would also be in touch with concerned departments to ensure effective monitoring of the bordering areas and would coordinate with other departments and the updates would also be shared with friendly countries when and if needed,” the source said.
The source said that Pakistan expected diplomatic and moral support from friendly countries in wake of threats emanating from its eastern neighbour and all angles are being monitored.
The diplomatic channel between India and Pakistan is also dormant for the time being as Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria is still in New Delhi as he had been summoned by the Indian government for consultations. On the other hand, Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood is also in Islamabad for support the consultation process to deal with the situation emanating out of Pulwama attack.
