Pakistan on Thursday said it is taking seriously the statements coming out from India and the country’s armed forces are fully prepared and ready to thwart any aggression.

This was stated by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Babar Iftikhar during his maiden news conference in Rawalpindi to commemorate the historic day of February 27, 2019, when Pakistani armed forces taught India a lesson which it will never forget.

The DG ISPR said “Wars are fought with nation’s support, patriotism and professionalism of the armed forces. Our civil and military leadership is aware of the games being played by India to divert attention from its internal issues,” he added.

He said Pakistan’s Army is a force of order and peace and that was why it always foiled the enemy’s aggressive designs. “February 27 is a golden chapter in our history now. Every Pakistani is proud of it.”

The DG ISPR’s presser focused on four key areas which were Feb 27 event (3 days standoff Pakistan-India), Line of Control (LoC) situation and the Indian military build-up, Kashmir and war on terror with particular focus on achievements and sacrifices in different operations including Operation Raddul Fassad.

Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar paid glowing tribute to the kins of martyrs and those defending the frontiers of Pakistan. He termed Feb 27 Youme Tashakur and Youme Azm. “It’s a day that belongs to the martyrs,” he added.

He disclosed that so far this year India had violated the LoC 384 times targeting the civilian population. “Two innocent and unarmed civilians were killed and over 30 injured during these violations,” he added. “They even do not spare children.”

He said Indian attitude is a threat to regional peace. “We are aware of the games the enemy is playing. We will not let them succeed,” he added.

The DG ISPR said the spike in LoC attacks came after hardliners took over the government in India. “Whenever we are attacked we target Indian military positions in our retaliation but they do not spare even the innocent and unarmed civilians,” he added.

He said the enemy wanted to give us a surprise on February 27 last but it got surprised itself and was totally failed in its mission.

The steps India had taken regarding Kashmir had exposed it throughout the world as international human rights organisations were reporting the state terrorism it was perpetrating on the innocent Kashmiris, he added. “India is committing genocide in Kashmir.”

“We will not compromise on our sovereignty at any cost,” declared Babar Iftikhar, adding Pakistan is aware of its enemy’s every move.

Talking about 20 years of Pakistan’s war on terror, the DG ISPR said “Over 17,000 terrorists had been killed in different operations carried out by the Pakistani forces. Over 10,000 Al-Qaeda fighters were also killed or arrested. Over 80,000 Pakistanis had been martyred in this fight. Over 1,200 major or smaller operations had been carried out in which over 450 tons of explosives and ammunition were seized.”

He further said “Over 150,000 intelligence-based operations were carried out throughout the country. Pakistan shared intelligence with 70 countries regarding the war on terror.”

Responding to a question, Babar Iftikhar said “There is no space for a war between the two nuclear countries. “India’s capability is Pakistan-centred and that is why we are always prepared,” he maintained.

The DG ISPR said “India is one of the top three countries as far as the military spending is concerned. Our budget is far less than India’s but still, we were able to defend ourselves on Feb 27 last.”

On Afghanistan, Babar Iftikhar said Afghanistan peace deal is going to be signed this Saturday. “Pakistan was a facilitator in the peace process. There is no reason that our ties with Kabul will turn sour.”

He said the establishment of peace in Afghanistan will benefit all.

To another query, he said the Health Ministry is tackling the situation arising out of the coronavirus very well. “If asked the Army will extend help in case of any emergency,” he added.