Pakistan alleges India preparing for ‘surgical strike.’
Big Strike By Indian Army On Terror Launchpads In Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s government has alleged that India is preparing to launch a “surgical [military] strike” on Pakistani soil and has called for the international community to help de-escalate the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Speaking to the press in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on Friday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi warned that Pakistan would retaliate if attacked.
“I have learned through our intelligence sources, and they have picked up this information that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan,” said Qureshi.
“This is a serious development, and I also know that they have tried to seek tacit approval from important players who they consider to be their partners.”
The two countries have fought three full-scale wars since gaining independence from the British in 1947, with tensions remaining high in the relationship in the intervening periods.
Both have been on a high state of military alert since a standoff in February 2019 that saw India bomb territory just inside Pakistan’s borders and Pakistan shoot down an Indian fighter jet.
Foreign Minister Qureshi warned that Pakistan would strike back at India “a notch above” if attacked.
“I want to tell India very clearly that Pakistan is fully prepared to respond and to defeat their designs,” he said.
“We will do it effectively as we did respond immediately and effectively in February 2019. And we will respond effectively if they choose this path.”
