China asks Pakistan, India to 'exercise restraint'

BEIJING: China on Tuesday urged Pakistan and India to “exercise restraint”, after Indian aircraft intruded the Line of Control (LoC) and were forced to flee back following timely response from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Following the LoC violation by Indian aircraft, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said, “We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations.”

In the wee hours of February 26, Indian aircraft intruded the LoC near Muzaffarabad sector, however they scrambled back following timely response from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Read More: Indian jets violate LoC, scramble back after PAF’s timely response

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor informed in a tweet, Indian Air Force violated the LoC and the prompt response from the Pakistan Air Force compelled Indian jets to go back.

He said “facing timely and effective response from the PAF, [Indian jets] released [their] payload in haste while escaping, which fell near Balakot.” However, no casualties or damage was reported during the incident, DG ISPR added.

“Indian aircrafts’ intrusion across LOC in Muzaffarabad Sector within AJ&K was 3-4 miles. Under forced hasty withdrawal aircrafts released payload which had free fall in open area.”