Picture of Bihar police personnel paying tribute to martyr Vijay Kumar Rai during his cremation ceremony at Vyapur in Maner
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today expressed grief over the killing of five Indian soldiers in Poonch on Tuesday. In a statement released by his office, Mr Sharif said it was "imperative" for India and Pakistan to take "effective steps to ensure and restore" the truce.
Here is the full statement issued by Nawaz Sharif's office:
Statement of the Prime Minister of PakistanPrime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has expressed his sadness over the recent incidents on the Line of Control (LoC) which has resulted into flaring up of tensions between India and Pakistan and loss of precious human lives.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials at the Foreign Office today.
The Prime Minister said that it was imperative for both India and Pakistan to take effective steps to ensure and restore ceasefire on the Line of Control.
The Prime Minister, during the briefing, also emphasized that while existing military to military channels could be more optimally utilized to prevent misunderstanding and not allowing situation to escalate. Pakistan, he said, is prepared to discuss steps with India for further strengthening of existing mechanisms both at the political and military levels.
The Prime Minister further said that it is incumbent upon the leadership of both sides not to allow the situation to drift and to take steps to improve the atmosphere by engaging constructively with a view to building trust and confidence.
The Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, we will discuss steps to further build trust and consolidate this relationship, the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister reiterated the resolve that Pakistan will persist in its efforts to improve relations with India through a constructive dialogue on all issues.
Mr. Pervez Rashid Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security, Mr. Tariq Fatimi Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and senior officials of the Foreign Office and Prime Minister's Office attended the briefing.
New Delhi
August 8, 2013.