India calculatedly trying to provoke 'crisis' with Pakistan: Maleeha Lodhi

Speaking to an Arab television channel, the ambassador said, “India is doing this in the hope that it can divert attention and calm its domestic opinion because even India’s domestic opinion is questioning its role in Kashmir.”

“My country has exercised maximum restraint in the face of what happened in the early hours of Thursday,” Lodhi said.

She confirmed that an Indian soldier, trying to cross the border, was captured by Pakistan, the Arab television channel reported.

“We think [India’s action] is hugely irresponsible and we think the international community should urge restraint upon India,” Lodhi said.

Pakistan on Thursday rejected Indian claims that it carried out surgical strikes along the de facto border in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir allegedly aimed at neutralising the militants.

According to the public relations wing of the Pakistan Army, “There has been no surgical strike by India, instead, there had been cross LOC fire initiated and conducted by India which is an existential phenomenon. As per rules of engagement, same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.”

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said two of its soldiers, Jumma Khan and Naik Imtiaz, had been killed and nine others wounded in a cross-border exchange of fire after India violated Kashmir Truce.

 

Pakistan captures Indian soldier at LoC

Pakistan captured an Indian soldier on its side of the disputed Kashmir border, military officials in the two countries said on Thursday, as tensions rose following a cross-border raid that India said it carried out against militants.

“It is confirmed one soldier from 37 Rashtriya Rifles with weapons has inadvertently crossed over to the Pakistan side of the Line of Control,” an Indian army official said in New Delhi.

Two officials based in Pakistan’s Chhamb’s sector said the Indian soldier with weapons was captured at 1330 local time on Thursday.