Nawaz Sharif witnessed a military exercise in a strategically located area in Punjab province
Highlights
- Pak PM Nawaz Sharif, Army chief Raheel Sharif attend military exercise
- It reflects preparedness to respond to national security threats: Pak PM
- Drill comes amid heightened tension with India around LoC, border
Pakistan Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif today witnessed a military exercise in a strategically located area in Punjab province, bordering India.
"These exercises reflect the preparedness of our armed forces to respond to any threat to national security," Mr Sharif said addressing a ceremony marking culmination of military exercise in Khairpur Tamewali in Bahawalpur in Punjab.
According to officials, the Prime Minister was the chief guest at the event which was also attended by powerful Army chief General Raheel Sharif, Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmoud and the three services chiefs.
JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, helicopter gunships and Al-Khalid tanks hit designated targets on the ground during the military exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the LoC.
Mr Sharif said his government is committed to following a policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and expects the same from others to enable lasting peace in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.
"We cannot remain detached from recent developments in the region. Efforts to harm security and territorial integrity will be met with befitting response," Mr Sharif said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said it remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India. "It must be addressed in a sincere and comprehensively manner in keeping with aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions," Mr Sharif said.