Pakistan says committed to truce with India vows to respond to aggression

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI - Pakistan said on May 13 that it remains committed to the truce with India, agreed after four days of intense military fighting last week, but vowed to respond to any future aggression by New Delhi with full resolve.

The comments from Islamabad came in response to an address to the nation by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12, in which he warned Pakistan that New Delhi would target “terrorist hideouts” across the border again if there were new attacks on India, without being deterred by “nuclear blackmail”.

The nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours fired missiles and drones targeting each other’s military installations after India said it struck “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on May 7, in retaliation for an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 men.

Pakistan said the targets were all civilian and denies Indian accusations that it was behind the Kashmir attack.

Pakistan’s military said on May 13 the dead in the attacks comprised 40 civilians and 11 members of its armed forces.

India has said at least five military personnel and 16 civilians died.

It was the worst fighting between the two nations in nearly three decades, and they agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following diplomacy and pressure from the US.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Islamabad categorically rejects the “provocative and inflammatory assertions” made by Mr Modi on May 12.

“At a time when international efforts are being made for regional peace and stability, this statement represents a dangerous escalation,” it said in a statement.

“Pakistan remains committed to the recent ceasefire understanding and taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability,” it said, adding that any future aggression will also be met with full resolve.

Modi repeats warning

Hindu-majority India and Muslim