ISLAMABAD, February 13: Pakistan on Thursday termed the decision by the United States to sell an integrated air-defence system to India as “disturbing” and said such a move would further destabilise an already volatile region. Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, addressing the weekly briefing, said the sale of such “sophisticated weapons to India will disturb the strategic balance in South Asia with security implications for Pakistan and the region”.
“The defence relations between the US and India are contributing to the destabilisation of peace and security in South Asia.”
Referring to India’s belligerent policies, the spokesperson stressed that the international community is fully aware of India’s hostile stance against Pakistan.
“South Asia cannot afford an arms race and conflict. It is therefore incumbent upon the international community to prevent destabilisation of the region,” she said.
“India has committed two hundred and seventy-two ceasefire violations since the start of this year. As a result of which three civilians have embraced martyrdom and twenty-five others sustained serious injuries.”
The spokesperson reiterated concerns regarding a false flag operation by India in an effort to divert attention from its state terrorism in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and from Pakistan’s successful ongoing efforts in countering terrorism and with respect to the fulfilment of our obligations under Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regime.-Agencies
