Pakistan in ‘denial mode’

New Delhi, September 29

Pakistan today refuted India’s claims of surgical strikes and instead said India had indulged in “cross-border fire”.

Many pointed out that Pakistan’s attempt to play down the surgical strikes serves a purpose. The domestic pressure in Pakistan to retaliate after the surgical strikes would be high. Instead, by downgrading the strikes to a cross-border skirmish, Pakistan hopes to avoid escalating the situation. Sources familiar with the situation said even the Pakistan army did not want a war, hence this downgrading.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan’s “intent for a peaceful neighbourhood should not be mistaken as its weakness”.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Pakistan army gave a ‘befitting response to the Indian Army.’ He went on to add that the Indian Army opened up small fire last night on five sectors across LoC. He accused India of doing this to please the media and the Indian public. — TNS