'Fully prepared' to face any challenge: Pakistan Army

India could launch attack to divert world’s attention from Kashmir, it says

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. File

Upping the ante, Pakistan said on Saturday its Army was “fully prepared” to face any challenge posed by India.

Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi following a meeting of the top brass on Kashmir, Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor said it was possible India could launch an attack to divert the world’s attention from Kashmir.

“We have apprehension that India can launch attack to divert attention but we are fully prepared to deal with any misadventure,” he said.

He said enough reinforcement had been provided along the Line of Control to deal with any situation.

Warning of the possibility of an unintended war, he said “Kashmir issue is nuclear flashpoint”.

Mr. Qureshi said the meeting had decided to set up a special Kashmir Cell in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The focal persons on Kashmir would be appointed at all embassies to highlight the issue at the global level,” he said.

Referring to the UN Security Council, the Minister also said the Kashmir issue was raised at the highest level which was a big success.

“The issue was raised in the UNSC after five decades and a discussion took place on the matter — that is a major development, especially since India tried its utmost to keep it from happening,” Mr. Qureshi said.

He said the meeting also took note of the UN Security Council consultations on Kashmir and discussed how to take the momentum forward.

Mr. Qureshi said the meeting also discussed if the Kashmir issue should be taken to the International Court of Justice.