Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa Threatens India, Says Ready To fight Till Last Bullet For Kashmir

Amid heightened tension between the nuclear-armed foes, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday threatened India saying they will fight till last bullet for Kashmir. "We are ready to give sacrifice for our Kashmiri brothers, will fulfill our duty till last bullet, last soldiers and last breath," Bajwa said in a televised speech.  

Asserting that Pakistan will never abandon Kashmir, the army chief said 'we are prepared to go till any extent'.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his country will make the fullest possible response to India's actions in disputed Kashmir and the global community would be responsible for any "catastrophic" aftermath.

"I have informed the world that Pakistan does not want war, but at the same time, Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to the challenges posed to its security and integrity," Khan said in a statement on the website of state-run Radio Pakistan.

"We are prepared to give the enemy the fullest possible response. Failing, the world community will be responsible for the catastrophic aftermath," he added.

This week Khan had said war between the South Asian neighbours was a risk, but Pakistan would not act first.

Khan has led a vigorous international diplomatic campaign seeking the support of the United States, former colonial power Britain and others to press India over the Himalayan region, but his Hindu-majority neighbour has ruled out outside involvement.

Earlier, Bajwa's term was extended for another three years by Imran Khan in view of the "regional security environment", an official announcement said.

General Bajwa, 58, who was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016, was to retire in November.

His extension comes amidst worsening ties between India and Pakistan following India's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370.

Reacting to India's decision, Pakistan expelled the Indian High Commissioner, after deciding to downgrade diplomatic ties with New Delhi.

Pakistan also suspended its trade relations with India in retaliation against New Delhi's decision.

India has categorically told the international community that its move to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution revoking the special status to Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter and has also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.

With Agency Inputs

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said 'we are prepared to go till any extent'.
• Bajwa's term was extended for another three years by Imran Khan.
• General Bajwa was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016.