Pakistan passes resolution condemning aggression by India at Line of Control

ISLAMABAD: Even as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talks of peace with India, Pakistan's National Assembly today passed a resolution accusing Indian troops of "unprovoked aggression" on the LoC and extending support to the "struggle" of the Kashmiri people.

The resolution, moved by Science and Technology Minister Zahid Hamid, a senior leader of the ruling PML-N, endorsed Sharif's "forceful statement" for effective steps to ensure the ceasefire on the Line of Control and to improve the atmosphere by engaging constructively to build trust and confidence.

"This House forcefully reiterates that while Pakistan is committed to working for peace with its neighbours, it remains steadfast in its resolve to fully defend its sovereignty, territorial borders and national interests.

"It salutes its brave and valiant armed forces and assures them of its fullest support in achieving this objective," said the resolution passed unanimously by the lower house of parliament.

The resolution condemned the "unprovoked aggression by Indian military forces across the LoC in recent days".

"It also condemns the attacks on the Pakistan High Commission and the demonstrations outside the PIA offices in New Delhi, and the efforts to prevent the Friendship Bus from proceeding to Pakistan. It deplores the unjustified public vilification of Pakistan in the Indian media," it said.

The National Assembly reiterated that Pakistan "shall continue to extend diplomatic, political and moral support for the just and legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realisation of their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions".

Referring to Sharif's remarks on keeping peace along the LoC, the resolution called on the government "to clearly convey to the government of India the necessity to respect and uphold the ceasefire agreement of 2003 in letter and spirit".