Pakistan claims Indian army killed 2 along border

Two Pakistanis were killed today while one was "critically injured" as the Indian Army opened fire at a group of shepherds at the Line of Control, the Pakistan army's media relations wing said.

In February 2021, both countries had recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire agreement and agreed to address the "core issues" that could undermine peace and stability.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement, "Today, at 11:55 hours, Indian Army, in a display of its usual inhumane approach towards innocent Kashmiris, opened indiscriminate fire onto a group of shepherds in Sattwal Sector.

"In sequel to Indian Army unprovoked firing today while adopting an inhumane approach towards innocent Kashmiris at Sattwal Sector, one more civilian has embraced shahadat while one remains critically injured. (Total two martyred and one critically injured)," it said in a subsequent statement.

The ISPR identified the deceased as Obaid Qayyum, 22, and Muhammad Qasim, 55. "Both shaheeds (martyrs) are residents of village Bara Dari Tetrinote, Tehsil Hajira, District Poonch,' it added.

The statement further said: "Driven by a newfound geo-political patronage, Indian forces have embarked on a plan to take innocent lives to satiate their false narratives and concocted allegations.

"While a strong protest is being launched with the Indian side, Pakistan reserves the right to respond back in manner of its choosing to protect Kashmiri lives in the LoC," it added.

Copyright: Dawn/ Asia News Network