Pakistan warns India against surgical strikes, attacks on nuclear installations
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has warned India against conducting any surgical strikes in its territory or targeting its nuclear installations. He said in the event of an Indian strike, the world shouldn't expect restraint from Pakistan. His statement was in response to Indian Air Force chief BS Dhanoa's remark that his air force is capable of identifying and striking Pakistan's nuclear installations.
On October 5, IAF Chief BS Dhanoa sent a major warning to Pakistan, saying his warplanes are capable of attacking nuclear sites across the border. He said this would happen if the government approves another surgical strike. Addressing a press conference on the eve of Air Force Day, Dhanoa said the IAF is capable of countering a two-front war with China and Pakistan.
Speaking at the Washington-based think-tank US Institute of Peace, Asif said Pakistan wants to live in peace and harmony with its neighbors. "If India carries out any surgical strike in Pakistan or strikes at its nuclear installations nobody should expect restraint from us," he said. He accused India of not responding to Pakistan's efforts to improve relations, adding that Kashmir remains a major roadblock.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said Pakistan is a peaceful country that doesn't want war with India. He said India poses a 'perpetual threat' that makes Pakistan's eastern border unsafe. He said, "We will defend ourselves and have the capability to do so." He said Pakistan also faces threats on its western border but it's of a different nature.
