DNA Explainer: Can Shehbaz Sharif work for better ties with India? - It is expected that during Shehbaz Sharif s tenure, the restoration of both trade ties and full-fledged diplomatic relations will be a priority.
Jaishankar underlined that the recent agreement between the militaries of India and Pakistan on ceasefire is a "good step" but there are "obviously bigger issues.
After more than a week, Indo-Pak pact on LoC ceasefire observance holds off
More than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on strict observance of the ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed with no signs of violation Silikot village near Uri, also known as the last village of India at LoC. (Image: Ieshan Wani)
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Updated: Mar 9, 2021, 10:31 AM IST
In a positive development, more than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on strict observance of the 2003 ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed on the ground with no signs of violation. Officials from the Indian sides are upbeat even as violence has reduced at the Line of Control (LoC), something that comes as a major relief to civilians on both sides.
On February 25, Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control and all other sectors. It’s a welcome step. That it came after 12,969 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan since 2018, killing hundreds of civilians and security forces and destroying several military facilities, homes, schools and infrastructure on both sides of the border is a sad commentary on Pakistan Army’s visceral hatred for India since 1948.
The ceasefire neither came suddenly nor was it clinched by informal contacts between power brokers, back-channel diplomacy or nudge from the US and China. It began taking shape when Pakistan realised the futility of pursuing its twin objectives of keeping India destabilised and annexing J&K by using separatists and terror attacks. Its game plan went awry as it found itself pitched against an unyielding Indian political leadership it had encountered never before.
Balakot strikes
Even as Pakistan continues to rely on propaganda in an attempt to whitewash its image, India on Saturday went ahead to conduct a long-range strike mission at Pokharan to mark the second anniversary of Balakot mission. The strike came in the aftermath of Pakistan releasing a doctored video of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by the Pakistani Army while defending India’s integrity and territory.
In the heavily doctored video released by Pakistan, Wing Commander Abhinandan is seen praising the Pakistani Army and calling for peace among the two nations. He can be heard saying that he finds the Pakistani army a very fine professional force and very chivalrous. He adds that he sees no reason for us (India) to continue with hostility as he thinks India and Pakistan need peace, insinuating that Pakistan is trying to establish peaceful relations with India.