Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Islamabad had "violated" a 1999 agreement with India inked by him and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in an apparent allusion to Gen Pervez Musharraf's Kargil misadventure.

"On May 28, 1998, Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests. After that Vajpayee Saheb came here and made an agreement with us. But we violated that agreement...it was our fault,"&nbsp;Sharif stated at a&nbsp;PML-N general council&nbsp;gathering where he was chosen president of the governing party six years after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
We broke the Lahore Agreement (1999) with India. It was our fault, says PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. 
 
PS: He made the remarks at an event where he bcm president of PML N party (party which the PM Shehbaz Sharif comes). 
 
विभीषण.... 
 
I am loving it.. 
 
🤭🤐🤫😊 <a href="https://t.co/GYA7Ve5CK2">pic.twitter.com/GYA7Ve5CK2</a>
— Suraj Anant Shukla (@artisonmymind1) <a href="https://twitter.com/artisonmymind1/status/1795482314362982783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On February 21, 1999, Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the Lahore Declaration following a summit in India. The agreement represented a significant achievement as it discussed a vision of stability and peace between the two nations. However, the Kargil conflict began a few months later as a result of Pakistani incursion into the Kargil area of Jammu and Kashmir.

"President Bill Clinton had offered Pakistan USD 5 billion to stop it from carrying out nuclear tests but I refused. Had a person like&nbsp;(former prime minister) Imran Khan been on my seat he would have accepted Clinton's offer," Sharif said on a day when Pakistan marked the 26th anniversary of its first nuclear tests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disgraced-indian-godman-ram-rahim-acquitted-in-2002-ranjit-singh-murder-case-726220">Disgraced Indian godman Ram Rahim acquitted in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case</a>

The 74-year-old Sharif discussed how Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar ousted him from the office of the prime minister in 2017. He added that while the allegations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founding leader Imran Khan were genuine, all the accusations against him were false.

He also discussed how Gen. Zahirul Islam, the former head of the ISI, helped topple his administration in 2017 to bring&nbsp;Imran Khan into power.&nbsp;

He claimed that Khan will sit at the feet of the military establishment. "I ask Imran not to blame us (of being patronised by the army) and tell whether Gen Islam had talked about bringing the PTI into power," he said.

The three-time prime minister revealed how, in 2014, he received a message from Gen. Islam requesting his resignation. "When I refused, he threatened to make an example of me," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Islamabad had "violated" a 1999 agreement with India inked by him and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in an apparent allusion to Gen Pervez Musharraf's Kargil misadventure.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Islamabad had "violated" a 1999 agreement with India inked by him and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in an apparent allusion to Gen Pervez Musharraf's Kargil misadventure. "On May 28, 1998, Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests. After that Vajpayee Saheb came here and made an agreement with us. But we violated that agreement...it was our fault," Sharif stated at a PML-N general council gathering where he was chosen president of the governing party six years after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court. We broke the Lahore Agreement (1999) with India. It was our fault, says PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. PS: He made the remarks at an event where he bcm president of PML N party (party which the PM Shehbaz Sharif comes). विभीषण.... I am loving it.. 🤭🤐🤫😊 pic.twitter.com/GYA7Ve5CK2 — Suraj Anant Shukla (@artisonmymind1) May 28, 2024 × On February 21, 1999, Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the Lahore Declaration following a summit in India. The agreement represented a significant achievement as it discussed a vision of stability and peace between the two nations. However, the Kargil conflict began a few months later as a result of Pakistani incursion into the Kargil area of Jammu and Kashmir. "President Bill Clinton had offered Pakistan USD 5 billion to stop it from carrying out nuclear tests but I refused. Had a person like (former prime minister) Imran Khan been on my seat he would have accepted Clinton's offer," Sharif said on a day when Pakistan marked the 26th anniversary of its first nuclear tests. Also read: Disgraced Indian godman Ram Rahim acquitted in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case The 74-year-old Sharif discussed how Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar ousted him from the office of the prime minister in 2017. He added that while the allegations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founding leader Imran Khan were genuine, all the accusations against him were false. He also discussed how Gen. Zahirul Islam, the former head of the ISI, helped topple his administration in 2017 to bring Imran Khan into power. He claimed that Khan will sit at the feet of the military establishment. "I ask Imran not to blame us (of being patronised by the army) and tell whether Gen Islam had talked about bringing the PTI into power," he said. The three-time prime minister revealed how, in 2014, he received a message from Gen. Islam requesting his resignation. "When I refused, he threatened to make an example of me," he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan ‘violated’ 1999 agreement with India inked by him and Vajpayee

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods.

The latest report from The Hindu reveals that Dar explained the situation in a written statement he submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan, alluding to the fact that India slapped a 200 per cent&nbsp;tariff on imports from Pakistan, stopped the Kashmir bus service, and suspended trade across the Line of Control after the Pulwama attack.

Dar’s remark was in response to Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui, who had asked about trade problems with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries, particularly India.

When asked about their plans to re-establish trade relations with India, he replied that Pakistan’s business community is very interested in this but that 'at present there are no plans to restore relations which have been virtually non-existent since 2019’.

The suspension of trade came after the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, abolished Article 370, a move that Pakistan saw as giving no hope for talks between the two nations.

Dar re-emphasised Pakistan’s stand on seeking “engagement and meaningful dialogue” to address outstanding issues, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

He concluded that it is in New Delhi’s interest to create a favourable atmosphere for peace and reconciliation.

India, on the contrary, claims it wants only peaceful and neighbourly relations with Pakistan and reiterates that this can only be achieved if Pakistan stops creating hostility and terror.

Ties between the two nations have been tense for decades and are mostly defined by the conflict around Kashmir and Pakistani accusations of terrorism from India. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods. The latest report from The Hindu reveals that Dar explained the situation in a written statement he submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan, alluding to the fact that India slapped a 200 per cent tariff on imports from Pakistan, stopped the Kashmir bus service, and suspended trade across the Line of Control after the Pulwama attack. Dar’s remark was in response to Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui, who had asked about trade problems with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries, particularly India. When asked about their plans to re-establish trade relations with India, he replied that Pakistan’s business community is very interested in this but that 'at present there are no plans to restore relations which have been virtually non-existent since 2019’. The suspension of trade came after the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, abolished Article 370, a move that Pakistan saw as giving no hope for talks between the two nations. Dar re-emphasised Pakistan’s stand on seeking “engagement and meaningful dialogue” to address outstanding issues, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He concluded that it is in New Delhi’s interest to create a favourable atmosphere for peace and reconciliation. India, on the contrary, claims it wants only peaceful and neighbourly relations with Pakistan and reiterates that this can only be achieved if Pakistan stops creating hostility and terror. Ties between the two nations have been tense for decades and are mostly defined by the conflict around Kashmir and Pakistani accusations of terrorism from India. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak minister says no plan to restore trade with India, suspended since 2019

Days have passed, and yet people are still thinking about that epic thrilling match between Pakistan and India in the T20 World Cup.

Watched by over a billion people, the cricket match had every bit of drama that one would expect from arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

Not only it was memorable for its thrilling end, but Virat Kohli’s heroics in lifting India’s chances from a near defeat was further icing on the cake.

But there was another player whose contribution was minor yet significant. It was Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin who hit the winning run after bravely leaving the ball before for a wide for a tie—which was especially lauded by Kohli when he mentioned in the post-match talk.

In his YouTube channel, the Indian offspinner shed details on the high-voltage match,&nbsp;what went through his mind when he came out to bat&nbsp;and Kohli’s innings.

The enormity of the Indo-Pak game

An India-Pak game never feels like any other game at all, as far as I know. I have been playing since 2011, and every time I play against Pakistan, the magnitude and the enormous nature of the game keeps on increasing.

I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of the game.

On Pakistan’s innings

They batted first and put up 158 on the scoreboard. It was extremely cold that day in the MCG for a cricket match and it was hostile. Even while playing, our hands got extremely numb.

They had posted a score and I thought that we could have restricted them to 140-odd runs because the ball was moving a lot early on.

But still I thought that given our batting strength, we will be able to chase down the score very easily.

On facing Pakistan’s bowlers

And just when we survived the first over of Shaheen Shah Afridi without giving up any wickets, we felt a bit relaxed.

But soon, we saw a fiery spell from Haris Rauf. It made me think that Pakistan has a great lineup of players.

In the past four years that we have played against them, they have gone from strength to strength.

They have been playing some really good cricket. And for that type of epic game of cricket to happen, you need your opposition to bring their A-game. For a fantastic game, their role is equally important.

What a wonderful display of bowling that was. Both Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah bowled like pros.

On his thoughts when India was 45/4

The memory is still vivid. We were 30/4. And in the 10th over, we were 45/4.

I was padded up from third over itself, thinking that I would just go as a powerplay enforcer should wickets fall down quickly.

There were many thoughts running on my mind.&nbsp;From 45/4, I thought that the only way to win the game was if Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli scored 60 runs each. And I was assuming that if the situation came, I would do my bit with the bat and take the team through.

Dressing room’s environment

Rahul Dravid was sitting in front of me and I never moved an inch from where I was sitting. Dinesh (Karthik) was padded up in that place. For that cold weather, we both went to the MCG hallway and kept running.

On what Virat Kohli said to him in the middle

Coming to Virat Kohli, I really think some spirit went inside him that day. After 45 balls, he transformed into something else.

When I went to bat, 2 runs were required from 1 ball, Virat was so pumped up and told me to get those runs.

But I calmly thought to myself, “You can do it by hitting in all the areas, but how can I? I will definitely try whatever I can.

On Dinesh Karthik

As I walked in to bat, I cursed Dinesh Karthik for a second and then later thought, “No no, we still have time, let us do what we were here for.

When Ashwin came out to bat

It was perhaps one of my longest walks to the centre of the ground, that’s what I felt. It kind of reminded me of Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Then I saw Virat Kohli and he told me so many things. But I thought of only one thing after seeing him. “God has given you so much today. So how will he ever let me down? So at least for you, won’t he let me get these runs?”

See the ball, then place it in a vacant space and just run, this is what I thought to myself.

I asked him a couple of questions, “Is he bowling onto the leg stump? Where is he bowling?”

Kohli replied, “Yes, he is bowling onto the legs, give some room and whack him over covers.”

I was like, “Whack? Dude, I have just come and so freezing out here.” This is what I thought to myself. How can I say this to a guy who is battling like a possessed man.

On leaving the last ball for wide

The moment I saw the ball going down the leg side, I decided not to have any business playing it and decided to leave it alone and got one run for the wide. As soon as I got that run, I was so relaxed and happy. Now, (I thought to myself) no one will throw stones at my home! (laughs) If I can lift the ball and place it somewhere, it will be good.

On the winning moment

I thought God has made this guy (Kohli) smash Haris Rauf over his head for a 6 on the back foot and over the square leg for another with a flick. Won’t God allow me to chip over the infield in some vacant area? And thank God, it did. What a moment.

Days have passed, and yet people are still thinking about that epic thrilling match between Pakistan and India in the T20 World Cup. Watched by over a billion people, the cricket match had every bit of drama that one would expect from arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

Days have passed, and yet people are still thinking about that epic thrilling match between Pakistan and India in the T20 World Cup. Watched by over a billion people, the cricket match had every bit of drama that one would expect from arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Not only it was memorable for its thrilling end, but Virat Kohli’s heroics in lifting India’s chances from a near defeat was further icing on the cake. But there was another player whose contribution was minor yet significant. It was Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin who hit the winning run after bravely leaving the ball before for a wide for a tie—which was especially lauded by Kohli when he mentioned in the post-match talk. In his YouTube channel, the Indian offspinner shed details on the high-voltage match, what went through his mind when he came out to bat and Kohli’s innings. The enormity of the Indo-Pak game An India-Pak game never feels like any other game at all, as far as I know. I have been playing since 2011, and every time I play against Pakistan, the magnitude and the enormous nature of the game keeps on increasing. I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of the game. On Pakistan’s innings They batted first and put up 158 on the scoreboard. It was extremely cold that day in the MCG for a cricket match and it was hostile. Even while playing, our hands got extremely numb. They had posted a score and I thought that we could have restricted them to 140-odd runs because the ball was moving a lot early on. But still I thought that given our batting strength, we will be able to chase down the score very easily. On facing Pakistan’s bowlers And just when we survived the first over of Shaheen Shah Afridi without giving up any wickets, we felt a bit relaxed. But soon, we saw a fiery spell from Haris Rauf. It made me think that Pakistan has a great lineup of players. In the past four years that we have played against them, they have gone from strength to strength. They have been playing some really good cricket. And for that type of epic game of cricket to happen, you need your opposition to bring their A-game. For a fantastic game, their role is equally important. What a wonderful display of bowling that was. Both Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah bowled like pros. On his thoughts when India was 45/4 The memory is still vivid. We were 30/4. And in the 10th over, we were 45/4. I was padded up from third over itself, thinking that I would just go as a powerplay enforcer should wickets fall down quickly. There were many thoughts running on my mind. From 45/4, I thought that the only way to win the game was if Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli scored 60 runs each. And I was assuming that if the situation came, I would do my bit with the bat and take the team through. Dressing room’s environment Rahul Dravid was sitting in front of me and I never moved an inch from where I was sitting. Dinesh (Karthik) was padded up in that place. For that cold weather, we both went to the MCG hallway and kept running. On what Virat Kohli said to him in the middle Coming to Virat Kohli, I really think some spirit went inside him that day. After 45 balls, he transformed into something else. When I went to bat, 2 runs were required from 1 ball, Virat was so pumped up and told me to get those runs. But I calmly thought to myself, “You can do it by hitting in all the areas, but how can I? I will definitely try whatever I can. On Dinesh Karthik As I walked in to bat, I cursed Dinesh Karthik for a second and then later thought, “No no, we still have time, let us do what we were here for. When Ashwin came out to bat It was perhaps one of my longest walks to the centre of the ground, that’s what I felt. It kind of reminded me of Einstein’s theory of relativity. Then I saw Virat Kohli and he told me so many things. But I thought of only one thing after seeing him. “God has given you so much today. So how will he ever let me down? So at least for you, won’t he let me get these runs?” See the ball, then place it in a vacant space and just run, this is what I thought to myself. I asked him a couple of questions, “Is he bowling onto the leg stump? Where is he bowling?” Kohli replied, “Yes, he is bowling onto the legs, give some room and whack him over covers.” I was like, “Whack? Dude, I have just come and so freezing out here.” This is what I thought to myself. How can I say this to a guy who is battling like a possessed man. On leaving the last ball for wide The moment I saw the ball going down the leg side, I decided not to have any business playing it and decided to leave it alone and got one run for the wide. As soon as I got that run, I was so relaxed and happy. Now, (I thought to myself) no one will throw stones at my home! (laughs) If I can lift the ball and place it somewhere, it will be good. On the winning moment I thought God has made this guy (Kohli) smash Haris Rauf over his head for a 6 on the back foot and over the square leg for another with a flick. Won’t God allow me to chip over the infield in some vacant area? And thank God, it did. What a moment.

‘Virat Kohli was batting like a possessed man that day’: Ashwin on India vs Pak T20 World Cup

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

Indian Army issues alert along LoC after ISI drone spotted

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim:&nbsp;

1.&nbsp; A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged

This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television.

Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-pakistan-is-perpetually-failing-as-a-country-326108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV.

Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage.

Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene.

3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general.

Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case.

Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts.

4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan.

5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim.

He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan.

A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television. Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict. × 2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV. Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage. Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene. 3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general. Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case. Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts. 4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan. 5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim. He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan. A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Five stories from South Asia's failed experiment, Pakistan

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation.

The remarks of BSF Inspector General (Jammu frontier) N S Jamwal came after the Border Security Force (BSF) detected a tunnel just beneath the Indo-Pak international border fence in Galar area of Samba.

He lauded the force personnel for their alertness in detecting the tunnel and said, "We were getting information that a tunnel was dug out from the Pakistan side in Samba. We were working on the information when one of our teams managed to locate it on Friday evening."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-children-and-unemployed-turn-to-opium-for-quick-cash-323907">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan children and unemployed turn to opium for quick cash</a>

Jamwal, who rushed to inspect the tunnel on Saturday morning, told reporters that it was dug out from Pakistan side and was over 150 metres inside the Indian territory.

The tunnel's opening was properly reinforced with sandbags carrying markings of 'Karachi and Shakargarh', clearly indicating that it was dug out from Pakistan side and ended here, he said.

The IG said the preliminary investigation revealed that it was a freshly dug tunnel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-to-restore-internet-in-rohingya-refugee-settlement-323924">Also read:&nbsp;Bangladesh to restore internet in Rohingya refugee settlement</a>

"There is a hand and knowledge of Pakistan establishment in such kind of construction," Jamwal said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the BSF said the tunnel was unearthed in a special anti-tunnelling drive which was launched all along the IB in Jammu region in view of the prevailing security scenario in the recent times.

"A vigilant BSF patrol party, while carrying out in-depth scanning, detected a tunnel with a depth of approximately 25 feet and about 3-4 feet in diameter near border fencing in Galar area," it said.

The BSF said Pakistan-made sand bags carrying markings of 'Shakargarh' and 'Karachi' factories were found hiding the mouth of the tunnel.

"The opening of the tunnel is around 170 metres from the IB in the Indian territory in the field of a local farmer," it said, adding that the alert BSF troops foiled the nefarious design of Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into the Indian territory.

"The tunnel's origin is in Pakistan close to the IB. The efforts of alert BSF troops deployed in our multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid once again resulted in neutralizing the evil designs of terrorists in deep connivance with Pakistan establishment," the statement said.

The BSF said there have been regular inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pakistan border villages desperately looking to infiltrate into Indian territory but the troops foiled all attempts by the anti-national elements.

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation.

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation. The remarks of BSF Inspector General (Jammu frontier) N S Jamwal came after the Border Security Force (BSF) detected a tunnel just beneath the Indo-Pak international border fence in Galar area of Samba. He lauded the force personnel for their alertness in detecting the tunnel and said, "We were getting information that a tunnel was dug out from the Pakistan side in Samba. We were working on the information when one of our teams managed to locate it on Friday evening." Also read: Afghan children and unemployed turn to opium for quick cash Jamwal, who rushed to inspect the tunnel on Saturday morning, told reporters that it was dug out from Pakistan side and was over 150 metres inside the Indian territory. The tunnel's opening was properly reinforced with sandbags carrying markings of 'Karachi and Shakargarh', clearly indicating that it was dug out from Pakistan side and ended here, he said. The IG said the preliminary investigation revealed that it was a freshly dug tunnel. Also read: Bangladesh to restore internet in Rohingya refugee settlement "There is a hand and knowledge of Pakistan establishment in such kind of construction," Jamwal said. Meanwhile, in a statement, the BSF said the tunnel was unearthed in a special anti-tunnelling drive which was launched all along the IB in Jammu region in view of the prevailing security scenario in the recent times. "A vigilant BSF patrol party, while carrying out in-depth scanning, detected a tunnel with a depth of approximately 25 feet and about 3-4 feet in diameter near border fencing in Galar area," it said. The BSF said Pakistan-made sand bags carrying markings of 'Shakargarh' and 'Karachi' factories were found hiding the mouth of the tunnel. "The opening of the tunnel is around 170 metres from the IB in the Indian territory in the field of a local farmer," it said, adding that the alert BSF troops foiled the nefarious design of Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into the Indian territory. "The tunnel's origin is in Pakistan close to the IB. The efforts of alert BSF troops deployed in our multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid once again resulted in neutralizing the evil designs of terrorists in deep connivance with Pakistan establishment," the statement said. The BSF said there have been regular inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pakistan border villages desperately looking to infiltrate into Indian territory but the troops foiled all attempts by the anti-national elements.

Tunnel under IB was constructed with knowledge, 'hand' of Pak: BSF IG

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country.

Mahaveer Singhvi, head of the Indian delegation, made the comments at a webinar on Thursday during the ongoing virtual Counter-Terrorism Week.

"This is an occasion for reiterating our collective resolve to protect and uphold human rights. It is unfortunate that Pakistan, a sponsor of cross border terrorism, and the globally acknowledged fountain head and pernicious cradle of terrorism, has once again used this forum for propagating its discredited narrative and making mischievous and scurrilous allegations against India," Singhvi said.

While the whole world, including India, has undertaken proactive steps to promote human rights and build resilience against terrorism, Pakistan has main-streamed terrorism as statecraft, Singhvi added.

"It continues to provide military, financial and logistical support to cross border terrorism but has denied the victims of terrorism their fundamental right to justice by not acting on the concrete evidences shared by India on several terrorist attacks, including 1993 Mumbai Serial Blasts and 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been proscribed by the UNSC 1267 committee but continue to enjoy state hospitality in Pakistan," Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, said.

Singhvi also said Pakistan's attempt to "masquerade" as a promoter of human rights and egalitarianism is "farcical" considering its record of systemic persecution of its minorities, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Sikhs, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Sindhis, and Balochis. Through draconian blasphemy laws, forced conversions and marriages and extrajudicial killings.

Pakistan consistently rakes up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and other internal matters of India at various UN fora. Earlier this week also, India had strongly hit out at Pakistan for raising India's domestic policies and internal affairs at the counter-terrorism forum.

During the webinar "Protecting and Promoting Human Rights as a Cornerstone for Building Resilience against Terrorism', Singhvi asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to remain an integral part of India and said Pakistan should cease to covet it. 
"What is portrayed by Pakistan is actually state sponsored cross border terrorism. India reiterates that despite the continued proxy war and state sponsored cross border terrorism raged by Pakistan against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed their faith in the Indian democracy."

Singhvi said that before preaching to others, Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse.

"The world doesn't need lessons on human rights from a country whose own citizens as well as minorities have never enjoyed true democracy. The least Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing fingers at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian Government and its leaders."

Singhvi told the UN forum that India has a civilisation ethos of inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance and the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family, permeates each aspect of Indian life.

"Our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is our strength and our Constitution guarantees equal rights to all faiths and creeds. Pakistan may repeat its Goebbelsian lies, a thousand times, but it cannot change the fact that Minorities feel secure and empowered in India."

He further said that terrorism is the grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security. It poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardises the rule of law and is an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association.

"While acts of terrorism violate the rights of individual victims, it also deeply affects the enjoyment of a range of rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole," he said, adding that building resilience of the society against terrorism forms an integral part of any counter terrorism strategy.

"There is a need to foster a society in which individuals and communities are able to counter the spread of terrorist ideologies and challenge those who espouse them. This requires robust partnerships and cooperation with citizens and local communities."

Noting that any terrorist incident disproportionately affects the human rights of women, girls and children, he said gender and age sensitive measures need to be incorporated in addressing the short, medium and long-term needs of the most vulnerable groups of victims of terrorism.

Protection of the rights of children and young persons, especially their right to education is also critical to prevent radicalisation and indoctrination of terrorist ideologies, he said.

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country.

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country. Mahaveer Singhvi, head of the Indian delegation, made the comments at a webinar on Thursday during the ongoing virtual Counter-Terrorism Week. "This is an occasion for reiterating our collective resolve to protect and uphold human rights. It is unfortunate that Pakistan, a sponsor of cross border terrorism, and the globally acknowledged fountain head and pernicious cradle of terrorism, has once again used this forum for propagating its discredited narrative and making mischievous and scurrilous allegations against India," Singhvi said. While the whole world, including India, has undertaken proactive steps to promote human rights and build resilience against terrorism, Pakistan has main-streamed terrorism as statecraft, Singhvi added. "It continues to provide military, financial and logistical support to cross border terrorism but has denied the victims of terrorism their fundamental right to justice by not acting on the concrete evidences shared by India on several terrorist attacks, including 1993 Mumbai Serial Blasts and 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been proscribed by the UNSC 1267 committee but continue to enjoy state hospitality in Pakistan," Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, said. Singhvi also said Pakistan's attempt to "masquerade" as a promoter of human rights and egalitarianism is "farcical" considering its record of systemic persecution of its minorities, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Sikhs, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Sindhis, and Balochis. Through draconian blasphemy laws, forced conversions and marriages and extrajudicial killings. Pakistan consistently rakes up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and other internal matters of India at various UN fora. Earlier this week also, India had strongly hit out at Pakistan for raising India's domestic policies and internal affairs at the counter-terrorism forum. During the webinar "Protecting and Promoting Human Rights as a Cornerstone for Building Resilience against Terrorism', Singhvi asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to remain an integral part of India and said Pakistan should cease to covet it. "What is portrayed by Pakistan is actually state sponsored cross border terrorism. India reiterates that despite the continued proxy war and state sponsored cross border terrorism raged by Pakistan against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed their faith in the Indian democracy." Singhvi said that before preaching to others, Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse. "The world doesn't need lessons on human rights from a country whose own citizens as well as minorities have never enjoyed true democracy. The least Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing fingers at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian Government and its leaders." Singhvi told the UN forum that India has a civilisation ethos of inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance and the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family, permeates each aspect of Indian life. "Our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is our strength and our Constitution guarantees equal rights to all faiths and creeds. Pakistan may repeat its Goebbelsian lies, a thousand times, but it cannot change the fact that Minorities feel secure and empowered in India." He further said that terrorism is the grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security. It poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardises the rule of law and is an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association. "While acts of terrorism violate the rights of individual victims, it also deeply affects the enjoyment of a range of rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole," he said, adding that building resilience of the society against terrorism forms an integral part of any counter terrorism strategy. "There is a need to foster a society in which individuals and communities are able to counter the spread of terrorist ideologies and challenge those who espouse them. This requires robust partnerships and cooperation with citizens and local communities." Noting that any terrorist incident disproportionately affects the human rights of women, girls and children, he said gender and age sensitive measures need to be incorporated in addressing the short, medium and long-term needs of the most vulnerable groups of victims of terrorism. Protection of the rights of children and young persons, especially their right to education is also critical to prevent radicalisation and indoctrination of terrorist ideologies, he said.

Perpetrators of heinous terror attacks continue to enjoy 'state hospitality' in Pak: India at UN

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir.

Khan once again took to Twitter to allege that the Indian government was trying to deprive the Kashmiris of their right of self-determination by "illegal annexation of their territory."

In a series of tweets, Khan alleged that India was 'trying to show Kashmiris' right to struggle for self-determination guaranteed in UN Security Council Resolutions as terrorism being abetted by Pakistan - to create opportunity for a false flag operation against Pakistan while detracting world attention away from" Kashmir.

Khan's statement came amidst the ongoing war of words between the two countries.

Pakistan on Saturday rejected the Indian army chief Gen MM Naravane's recent allegations of organising and supporting a new terror group in Kashmir, known as 'The Resistance Front'.

"I would like to emphasise that Indian Army will give proportionate response to all acts of infringement of ceasefire and its (Pakistan's) support to terrorism. The onus remains with Pakistan to bring peace in the region," Gen Naravane said last week.

The ties between India and Pakistan strained following the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force.

The bilateral relations further nose-dived following the Indian goverment's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August last that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir. Khan once again took to Twitter to allege that the Indian government was trying to deprive the Kashmiris of their right of self-determination by "illegal annexation of their territory." In a series of tweets, Khan alleged that India was 'trying to show Kashmiris' right to struggle for self-determination guaranteed in UN Security Council Resolutions as terrorism being abetted by Pakistan - to create opportunity for a false flag operation against Pakistan while detracting world attention away from" Kashmir. Khan's statement came amidst the ongoing war of words between the two countries. Pakistan on Saturday rejected the Indian army chief Gen MM Naravane's recent allegations of organising and supporting a new terror group in Kashmir, known as 'The Resistance Front'. "I would like to emphasise that Indian Army will give proportionate response to all acts of infringement of ceasefire and its (Pakistan's) support to terrorism. The onus remains with Pakistan to bring peace in the region," Gen Naravane said last week. The ties between India and Pakistan strained following the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force. The bilateral relations further nose-dived following the Indian goverment's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August last that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

Imran Khan accuses India of creating opportunity for 'false-flag operation' against Pak

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-poonch-district-indian-army-is-retaliating-256030">India's retaliation to ceasefire violations</a> along the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
The Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday had initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation at around 9:30 am in Qasba and Kirni sectors of Poonch district by firing small arms and shelling mortars. The Indian Army hit back effectively. 
 
Pakistan's firing claimed the life of a 27-year old woman from Poonch district, identified as Shameem Akhter. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year as compared to 2018. 
 
Till October 10, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 2317 times. The incidents of unprovoked firing and shelling have increased sharply ever since India abrogated Article 370 that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangements between the two countries.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over India's retaliation to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over India's retaliation to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). The Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday had initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation at around 9:30 am in Qasba and Kirni sectors of Poonch district by firing small arms and shelling mortars. The Indian Army hit back effectively. Pakistan's firing claimed the life of a 27-year old woman from Poonch district, identified as Shameem Akhter. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year as compared to 2018. Till October 10, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 2317 times. The incidents of unprovoked firing and shelling have increased sharply ever since India abrogated Article 370 that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangements between the two countries.

Pakistan summons Indian High Deputy Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over firings across Line of Control

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia following ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-jawan-sustains-minor-injuries-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-jks-kathua-252960">Pakistani troops</a> resorted to firing with small arms and shelling with mortars on Tuesday, Army sources said. 
 
Islamabad claimed that a 50-year-old woman was killed during the violation, while two other people sustained critical injuries, reported Dawn. Ahluwalia was summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. 
 
New Delhi has repeatedly urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-kashmirs-poonch-indian-army-retaliating-252949">Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangement</a> between the two countries. 
 
The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's move to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Last month, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned to New Delhi after Pakistan urged India to recall its envoy.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia following ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistani troops resorted to firing with small arms and shelling with mortars on Tuesday, Army sources said.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia following ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistani troops resorted to firing with small arms and shelling with mortars on Tuesday, Army sources said. Islamabad claimed that a 50-year-old woman was killed during the violation, while two other people sustained critical injuries, reported Dawn. Ahluwalia was summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 ceasefire arrangement between the two countries. The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi's move to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Last month, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned to New Delhi after Pakistan urged India to recall its envoy.

Pakistan summons Indian envoy following ceasefire violation along Line of Control

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-acting-against-interests-of-country-union-minister-r-k-singh-243060">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi </a>on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-likens-rahul-gandhi-congress-to-pakistan-23338">Pakistan</a>'s interference.

The former Congress president in a series of tweets&nbsp;said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter.

"I disagree with this government&nbsp;on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and&nbsp;there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1166556116555317250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month&nbsp;and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;

In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference. The former Congress president in a series of tweets said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter. "I disagree with this government on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet. "There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet. There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2019 × The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Kashmir India's internal matter, no room for Pakistan to interfere: Rahul Gandhi

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table.

"Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. 
He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state.&nbsp;

"It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying.

The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation.

He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries.

At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world.

Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs.

Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades.&nbsp;

This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday. Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table. "Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state. "It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying. The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation. He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries. At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world. Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs. Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades. This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence helped de-escalate tensions during Pulwama crisis: Pak official

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16".

“There is no doubt that the two aircraft went down in the aerial engagement on 27 February, one of which was the bison of IAF while the other was F-16 of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conclusively identified by its electronic signature and radio transcripts.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images; Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor confirms Pakistan F-16 was downed by Indian Mig on February 27 <a href="https://t.co/YnTnlZXsP7">pic.twitter.com/YnTnlZXsP7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1115235084938903556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images. <a href="https://t.co/axy2uVObWZ">pic.twitter.com/axy2uVObWZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1115232480657850370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Have more credible evidence that is clearly indicative of fact that Pakistan has lost one F-16 however due to security and confidentiality concerns we are restricting the information being shared in the public domain," said Air Vice Marshal.

However,&nbsp;Pakistan has denied that it lost any F-16 jet during the aerial combat. Sources said electronic signals from the F-16 aircraft which was engaged by an Mig 21 Bison ended abruptly, confirming that it crashed after being hit.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16".

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16". “There is no doubt that the two aircraft went down in the aerial engagement on 27 February, one of which was the bison of IAF while the other was F-16 of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conclusively identified by its electronic signature and radio transcripts.” #WATCH: Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images; Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor confirms Pakistan F-16 was downed by Indian Mig on February 27 pic.twitter.com/YnTnlZXsP7 — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images. pic.twitter.com/axy2uVObWZ — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × "Have more credible evidence that is clearly indicative of fact that Pakistan has lost one F-16 however due to security and confidentiality concerns we are restricting the information being shared in the public domain," said Air Vice Marshal. However, Pakistan has denied that it lost any F-16 jet during the aerial combat. Sources said electronic signals from the F-16 aircraft which was engaged by an Mig 21 Bison ended abruptly, confirming that it crashed after being hit. (With inputs from agencies)

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>.&nbsp;

"Over the past several days, we have witnessed Pakistan indulging in false propaganda and spread of misinformation. The Indian Navy does not take cognisance of such propaganda," the Indian Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pakistan released a video of the&nbsp;Indian submarine purportedly trying to enter its waters.

Earlier in the day, WION learnt that on the diplomatic front New Delhi has informed the global community that no such movement of Indian assets (the submarine) had taken place and that "in fact, they are not in the vicinity."&nbsp;

New Delhi said Pakistan is playing up the situation to divert the "attention of the international community from our concern of terror to the so-called threat from India". It further added that "we should not fall for it".

Indian authorities said Tuesday that the video released by Pakistan matches a similar video released by Pakistan in 2016, which made the same claim then, suggesting Pakistan is trying to shift focus.

After India's air strike on February 26 and Pakistan's counter-strike, Islamabad had informed foreign envoys in Pakistan that India planned to bomb Karachi. When approached by the world community, New Delhi clarified that that was not the case.&nbsp;

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters.

India has said Pakistan is indulging in propaganda to try and divert attention from the issue of terrorism. This was after Pakistan said Tuesday that it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. "Over the past several days, we have witnessed Pakistan indulging in false propaganda and spread of misinformation. The Indian Navy does not take cognisance of such propaganda," the Indian Navy said in a statement. Pakistan released a video of the Indian submarine purportedly trying to enter its waters. Earlier in the day, WION learnt that on the diplomatic front New Delhi has informed the global community that no such movement of Indian assets (the submarine) had taken place and that "in fact, they are not in the vicinity." New Delhi said Pakistan is playing up the situation to divert the "attention of the international community from our concern of terror to the so-called threat from India". It further added that "we should not fall for it". Indian authorities said Tuesday that the video released by Pakistan matches a similar video released by Pakistan in 2016, which made the same claim then, suggesting Pakistan is trying to shift focus. After India's air strike on February 26 and Pakistan's counter-strike, Islamabad had informed foreign envoys in Pakistan that India planned to bomb Karachi. When approached by the world community, New Delhi clarified that that was not the case.

Pakistan says Indian submarine tried to enter its waters, India says propaganda to divert attention from terror

india-pak-0

India Pak, News on India Pak, stories on India Pak, articles on India Pak, India Pak stories at Wion, India Pak news, India Pak latest news

india pak-0