ISLAMABAD: President Ghulam Ishaq Khan said he has no report of any border violation by India.
The President’s statement sets at Test speculative reporting’s in a section of the Pakistani media of intrusion and enhanced troop movement by India along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir,
“I do not see any immediate danger of it (border violations),” the president answered to questions from newsmen at the Rafiqui airbase in Shorkot on Wednesday.
New Delhi had described as “mischievous” conjectural reports by Pakistani media suggesting that additional Indian forces had been rushed to the border areas.
The president rejected charges of Pakistan’s involvement in the incidents of violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged the Pakistani media to counter Indian propaganda, but cautioned that it should not be taken to the pitch that “for nothing we drift into war.”
He admitted Pakistan had not been able to bring the so-called Kashmir issue on UN Security Council agenda for a discussion for lack of the requisite support of two thirds of the members.
Addressing officers and men of the Pakistani Air Force base at Rafiqui, he said a military deterrent was vital to the country’s sovereignty, independence and freedom.
The President reviewed a ceremony to re-equip a PAF squadron with the recently inducted Chinese made F-7P fighter aircraft.
Pakistan, he said would continue to make consistent efforts to improve relations with all its neighbors. “But at the same time, we will continue to provide whatever resources are necessary to safeguard our independence, freedom and honor.”
Referring to the induction of the fighter aircraft, he said this would prove to be a highly valuable addition to the country’s defense capability.
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey said while Pakistan did not foresee any conflict with India, it was ready to face any eventuality.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 16, 1990
