Pakistan envoy says US emboldened India

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington voiced regret Wednesday that the United States has not condemned India’s air incursion, saying the stance “emboldened” New Delhi.

Pakistani Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan said the United States should have pinned blame on India.

“It is construed and understood as an endorsement of the Indian position and that is what emboldened them even more,” Khan told reporters when asked about the US statement. Escalation between the neighbouring countries had greatly increased, he maintained.

Read More: No intention of escalation, but fully ready if forced: FO

But Khan said that Pakistan was eager for greater US diplomacy between Islamabad and New Delhi.

“There is perhaps no other country better placed than the United States to be able to play some role,” he said, pointing to the US relationship with both countries.

He said Pakistan wanted to hold talks with India.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the armed forces to counter the Indian forces’ aggression,” he said.

PAF shoots down two IAF jets

Two fighter jets of Indian Air Force were shot down by Pakistan Air Force in bright day light on Wednesday, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor.

According to the DG ISPR, Indian fighter jets violated Line of Control (LoC) today, and in a robust response, the PAF destroyed two aircraft of IAF inside Pakistani airspace.