ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said that Pakistan has always exercised restraint but India’s belligerence was a threat to the regional peace and security.
Addressing a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson said, “It appears that India is seeking a conflict with Pakistan. Pakistan has no desire to escalate tension but our armed forces would respond effectively to any unprovoked violation from Indian side.”
Responding to a question, Zakaria said, “India is playing havocs with the peace and stability of the region. It is involved in deteriorating Pak-Afghan relations whereas it is also using Afghanistan’s soil against Pakistan.”
“To ensure regional stability, Pakistan and Afghanistan need to closely coordinate with each other. Afghanistan has been in turmoil for over 40 years, and this situation has given space to terrorists. Afghani people have suffered a lot due to terrorism and so have we,” he said, and warned India against making any strategic miscalculation.
The spokesperson said an instable Afghanistan has affected Pakistan more than any other country. “Pakistan believes in Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. Kabul Process is a positive step in this regard.”
