Onus on India to create enabling environment for peace progress: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged Indian to create an enabling environment for making further progress on peace.

His message came as Pakistan marked the second anniversary of Pakistan’s response against Indian air strikes” in Balakot.

Responding to Indian airstrikes, which had damaged tree on February 27, 2019, Pakistan Air Force shot down one Indian aircraft and captured their pilot, Abhinandan, who was later released as a goodwill gesture.

In a series of tweets, Imran Khan saluted the Armed Forces, saying Pakistan had responded with a determined resolve “at a time and place of our choosing.”

“We also demonstrated to the world Pakistan’s responsible behaviour in the face of India’s irresponsible military brinkmanship, by returning the captured Indian pilot.”

I congratulate the entire nation & salute our Armed Forces on the 2nd Anniversary of our response to India's illegal, reckless military adventure of air strikes against Pakistan. As a proud & confident nation, we responded with determined resolve at a time & place of our choosing

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021

“We have always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.”

Welcoming the restoration of the ceasefire along the Line of Control, the Prime Minister said the onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India.

He said India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand and right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination according to United Nations Security Council resolutions.