ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry on Friday briefed the heads of missions of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB), especially during the past two months. He expressed grave concern over the increased frequency and duration of indiscriminate firing/shelling from the Indian side, deliberately targeting villages and civilian-populated areas, resulting in the martyrdom of 26 civilians and injuries to 107 others, including women and children, in complete disregard of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and of International Law. The foreign secretary deplored the use of artillery in Shahkot and Jura sectors along the LoC on November 9. He stated that the Indian side had resorted to the use of such heavy weaponry after a gap of 13 years. Pakistan had been compelled to respond, but with maximum restraint, he said, and added that the armed forces of Pakistan gave a befitting response. He expressed apprehension that Indian actions, which were a threat to peace and security, might lead to a strategic miscalculation. While emphasising the important role of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which has the mandate for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LoC and the WB, the foreign secretary noted that Pakistan was fully cooperating and providing unfettered access to the observer group. “However, India is not cooperative, and limits their access.” During the briefing, a representative of the Military Operations Directorate gave a detailed presentation on the existing situation along the LoC and the WB. In response, the heads of the missions assured that they would convey Pakistan’s concern to their respective capitals. They underscored the need for restraint, observance of ceasefire and dialogue to resolve issues.
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