Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday that Pakistan has the right to act in self-defense “in accordance with Article-51 of the UN Charter”.
He also strongly condemned India’s missile and drone strikes that martyred 31 innocent civilians, wounded 57 others and damaged civilian infrastructure, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
India’s attacks had violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while seriously jeopardizing peace and stability in the region, he said.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
He said that the people of Pakistan were outraged by India’s unprovoked acts of aggression.
He also appreciated President Trump’s concern over the ongoing security situation in South Asia.
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Secretary Rubio noted that Washington was closely monitoring the situation in the region as it was committed to promoting peace and stability in South Asia.
To this end, he stressed both Pakistan and India to work closely to de-escalate the situation. Both sides agreed to remain in touch.
The Secretary expressed US support for direct dialogue between Pakistan and India and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications,” the US State Department said in a statement.
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India launched airstrikes on Pakistan early Wednesday morning, an assault that Islamabad termed a blatant act of war.
Islamabad said six sites in Pakistan, from mosques to hydropower projects, were hit in Indian strikes. At least 31 civilians, including children, were martyred and 57 others injured in unprovoked and devious attacks on Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot and Shakkargarh in Punjab and Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Azad Kashmir.
In retaliation, the Pakistan armed forces shot down five Indian Air Force jets, combat drones, destroyed a brigade headquarters and a number of check posts along the Line of Control (LoC).
The Pakistan army also intercepted and destroyed thirty Israeli-made Herop drones, sent by India to target civilian and military installations on Thursday.
