India planning to attack Pakistan again this month: Qureshi

Press Trust of India  |  Islamabad 

has "reliable intelligence" that is planning to attack again between April 16 and 20, said Sunday, amid tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the February 14 terror attack.

Amid mounting outrage, the (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside on February 26.

The next day, retaliated and downed a in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to on March 1.

Addressing a press conference in his home town of Multan, Qureshi said the government had "reliable intelligence that India is devising a new plan".

"A new mishap could be staged...And its purpose will be to justify their [India's] offensive against Pakistan and to increase diplomatic pressure against Islamabad," he alleged.

"If it happens, you can imagine the impact of the occurrence on the peace and stability of the region. According to our information, the action could be taken between 16-20 April," Qureshi said, adding that preparations were being made for the attack against Pakistan.

The said Pakistan had already briefed the Security Council's permanent members over the issue and stated Islamabad's apprehensions.

"We want the international community to take notice of this irresponsible behaviour and reprimand them [India] for taking this route," he said.

He said the Indian action would have impact on peace and stability of the region.

The also criticised the global community for keeping silent when India violated Pakistan's territory on February 26.

However, Qureshi's remarks were not taken seriously by the Opposition. The (PPP) accused the government of using war threat by India to hide its failures.

"The government has failed to deliver and now using the threat of war by India to distract public attention from issues faced by the people," PPP said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, April 07 2019. 17:10 IST