Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday welcomed the restoration of ceasefire across the Line of Control (LoC) with India, saying that the onus of creating an “enabling environment” between the two nations rests with India.
he prime minister took to Twitter to congratulate the nation and its armed forces on the second anniversary of the February 27 dogfight between India and Pakistan.
Two years ago today, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace and arrested an Indian pilot, IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
Pakistani military spokesperson at the time, Major General Asif Ghafoor had said that the IAF had crossed the LoC after which two of their aircraft were shot down by the PAF inside the Pakistani airspace.
Recalling the event that took place two years ago, and brought the two nations to the brink of war, PM Imran condemned India’s ” illegal, reckless military adventure of airstrikes against Pakistan”.
“I congratulate the entire nation & salute our Armed Forces on the 2nd Anniversary of our response to India’s illegal, reckless military adventure of airstrikes against Pakistan. As a proud & confident nation, we responded with determined resolve at a time & place of our choosing,” he tweeted.
I congratulate the entire nation & salute our Armed Forces on the 2nd Anniversary of our response to India's illegal, reckless military adventure of air strikes against Pakistan. As a proud & confident nation, we responded with determined resolve at a time & place of our choosing
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021
The prime minister praised Pakistan’s decision to return Abhinandan to India, adding that it demonstrated “Pakistan’s responsible behaviour in the face of India’s irresponsible military brinkmanship”.
“We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue,” he tweeted.
We also demonstrated to the world Pakistan’s responsible behaviour in the face of India's irresponsible military brinkmanship, by returning the captured Indian pilot. We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021
However, he reminded India and the world that it was up to New Delhi to work towards normalisation of relations between the two countries by honouring the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSC).
I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand & right of the Kashmiri people to self determination acc to UNSC resolutions.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021
Indian, Pakistani armies agree to enforce ceasefire agreement
The director-generals of military operations of India and Pakistan reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a “free, frank and cordial atmosphere,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement a couple of days ago.
The two DGs of military operations had made hotline contact in the interest of achieving “mutually beneficial and sustainable peace”, a statement by the ISPR had said.
It said they had agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.
Both sides had agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the LOC and all other sectors, which had taken effect from midnight 24/25 February 21.
It was reiterated by Pakistan and India that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.
Contact between the two military officials came at a time when several of cases of LoC violations by India have been reported by the Pakistan Army.