Pakistan concerned over US Harpoon sale to India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed its concern over the sale of Harpoon Block II air launched missiles by the United States to India.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that the sale of such missile systems, along with technical assistance and logistic support, at a time when there is a global effort to fight the pandemic, is particularly disturbing.

She said that Pakistan has articulated its concerns regarding the sale of sophisticated weapons to India, which would further destabilise the region. “Pakistan has alerted the international community many times about India’s aggressive designs not only towards Pakistan but also towards other neighbouring countries in South Asia.” She said that sale of the weapons would destabilise the already volatile situation in South Asia. There is a high possibility of India conducting a false flag operation while global efforts are directed towards combating the pandemic, the Foreign Office said.

Pointing out ceasefire violations from neighbouring arch rival, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that Indian forces committed over 765 ceasefire violations resulting in martyrdom of three civilians as well as serious injuries to 54 innocent civilians. “In 2019, India violated the ceasefire agreement 3,351 times,” she said adding that Pakistan continues to respond to Indian belligerence in a firm and responsible manner.

Aisha Farooqui while rejecting a US Commission’s report on denial of food aid to minorities and said that it was not based on facts and seems to have relied on inaccurate sources. “Under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme, which is the official social protection programme, every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to seek financial assistance,” she said and added that out of the 6.5 million beneficiaries that have received cash assistance in Category-I, 400,000 (6.15 percent) are non-Muslims.

She further said that India had to ensure bringing an end to illegal occupation of the Kashmir. “We are committed to hold any meaningful talks with India on resolution of Kashmir dispute,” he said.