Rattled Pakistan warns India of any misadventure, says will respond strongly than February 27

Pakistan Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday said if prompted Pakistan’s response shall be even stronger than that of February 27. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Should there be an attempt by Indian Army to undertake any misadventure, Pakistan’s response shall be even stronger than that of February 27 2019. Thousands of Indian troops have failed to suppress just struggle of brave Kashmiris for decades. Current surge won’t succeed either."

This came after Pakistan had announced to downgrade diplomatic ties with India and suspended bilateral trade. At the National Security Committee meeting, chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, it was also decided to recall Pakistani High Commissioner to New Delhi.

The decision from Pakistan came in response to India's move to remove part of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir a significant autonomy. The central government also divided the state in two Union Territories (UTs) - Jammu and Kashmir with its own legislature and Ladakh without legislature.

Pakistan also on Thursday 'permanently' closed the bi-weekly Samjhauta Express train service connecting Lahore and New Delhi. Addressing a press conference, Pakistani Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the boggies of Samjhauta Express will now be used for passengers travelling on the occasion of Eid.

"Till I am Railways minister, Samjhauta Express train service will not operate," he was quoted as saying by the Geo TV. The Samjhauta Express train service was suspended earlier this year, due to escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries following Pulawama attack. However, the service was later resumed.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan “to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir”. “The Secretary-General has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern and makes an appeal for maximum restraint,” Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said.

He said the "position of the United Nations on this region is governed by the Charter of the United Nations and applicable Security Council resolutions."