CHIRIKOT: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday condemned the ‘unprofessional approach of targeting innocent civilians’ by the Indian army from across the Line of Control, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The prime minister, who along with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Line of Control (LOC) in Chirikot sector, reiterated Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris for their just struggle.
While interacting with families of martyrs and the injured due to the unprovoked shelling by Indian army, the prime minister appreciated their determination and resolve. He announced enhancement in financial assistance for the families of the martyrs and the injured and approved funds for development of community protection bunkers for safety of the civilian population.
Incidents of firing from across the border have increased after the right-wing government of Narendra Modi came to power and has caused significant human loss besides damage to the houses. Indian forces have used medium and heavy weapons in recent times to target the civilian population of AJK.
The prime minister lauded the contributions and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in defending the motherland and protecting the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said there was no parallel to the contributions and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army particularly against terrorism and for defending the geographical frontiers of the country.
“No other Army of the world is parallel to Pakistan Army. Restoration of peace against terrorism despite our commitments against the perpetual threat from eastern border is a milestone achievement and together we shall take it towards enduring peace and stability,” the prime minister said, while interacting with the troops.
The prime minister, who was also accompanied by prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider, was briefed by general officer commanding on the situation along the LOC, Indian ceasefire violations, targeting of civilians and befitting professional response by the Pakistan Army. The COAS on the occasion directed immediate evacuation of a teen-aged girl to the Armed Forces Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM) for provision of artificial limb as she had lost her leg due to the Indian shelling. Earlier upon arrival, the prime minister and the COAS were received by the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.
Published in Daily Times, November 11th 2017.
