Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday reprimanded India for unprovoked firing on the Line of Control (LoC), saying it was not only aggression against the Kashmiri people but also amounted to scoffing at the conscience of the world community.
Sharif was in Bagh town of Azad (Pakistani) Kashmir to inaugurate the newly-constructed Sports Stadium as part of the developmental projects for earthquake affected districts.
"On coming to Bagh town in Azad Kashmir, I am remembering the brothers and sisters and children who were victims of the 2005 earthquake. So, how can I forget the innocent citizens who are being martyred on the Line of Control? Innocent Kashmiris are not the only victims of the needless and unprovoked firing on the Line of Control; the conscience of the international community is also being targeted by this firing," Sharif told a gathering of local residents.
Tensions have been running high between the nuclear-armed neighbours since peace talks that were due to be held last weekend were called off at the last minute.
Cross-border firing between India and Pakistan killed at least nine people on Friday (August 28), the day India marked the 50th anniversary of a war between the two South Asian nations.
On the Pakistani side of the frontier, six civilians were killed and more than 40 were treated for wounds in hospital in the town of Sialkot, the media wing of the Pakistani military said.
Border Security Force (BSF) said three civilians had died and 22 were wounded in firing across the frontier in the northern Jammu region.
Sharif said Pakistan is continuously keeping the international community abreast of the Indian provocations along the border, of ceasefire violations and trampling of human rights of residents of Indian-controlled Kashmiri by Indian troops.
"Pakistan is constantly informing the international community about these aggressive activities. The atrocities occurring in Kashmir and the human rights violations are violations against bilateral and international agreements. Pakistan had raised its voice against these activities at all international forums, and will continue to do so, until the people of Kashmir get due rights of self-determination," Sharif said.
He warned India that increased provocations along the borders in recent days were posing threats to peace and security not only of the region but also to world peace.
"Activities resulting in shedding the blood of innocent citizens on the Pakistani borders are not only dangerous for this region, but can also be a threat to world peace. It is the responsibility of world powers to stop this in time. Pakistan's patience should not be considered a weakness. The desire for peace is our strength," Sharif said.
