Pakistan Foreign Office claims 'belligerent' India seeking conflict

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman has claimed that his country is of the view that a "belligerent" India is seeking to escalate tensions to the point of there being the possibility of a conflict between the two countries.

Nafees Zakaria was quoted by the Dawn, as saying in a statement that tensions between India and Pakistan are at an all time high due to sharp increase in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

Zakaria said Pakistan has been cautioned India against engaging in any kind of "strategic miscalculation".

The Foreign Office spokesman was further quoted by the Dawn, as saying, "We have no desire to escalate the situation. Pakistani armed forces would respond effectively to any unprovoked violations. The Indian belligerence is a threat to regional peace and security."

Zakaria's statement comes days after a hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan - Lt. Gen. A K Bhatt and Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza - on the prevailing situation along the LoC. Lt. Gen. Bhatt is believed to have told his Pakistani counterpart India will not refrain from retaliating if Pakistan continues to resort to unprovoked ceasefire violations and or supports infiltration bids.

The deteriorating situation between the two South Asian neighbours has been noted with concern by the international community.

Both Pakistan and India are joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at its 17th summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, and have committed to meet their respective obligations as per the Shanghai spirit.

-ANI