Nawaz Sharif warns India over 'ceasefire violations'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday warned India that if "ceasefire violations" continue they will not go unpunished, according to a media report.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sharif, in a statement, claimed that Pakistan has exercised "maximum restraint" and categorically stated that "ceasefire violations" if continued will not go unpunished.

Sharif claimed Pakistan is a "peace loving nation" and it believes in resolution of all the outstanding issues and disputes through dialogue.

"As a responsible state, we have been endeavoring for regional peace and stability for the collective betterment and prosperity of South Asia," Sharif was quoted as saying.

Sharif said it is unfortunate that Pakistan's "initiative and efforts have not been reciprocated" by India.

He said Pakistan's "quest for peace must not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness".

Sharif said India should "investigate" the recent incident of "ceasefire violations" and share the findings with Pakistan.

Geo News quoted Sharif while speaking on the Kashmir issue.

It said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's "unflinching and steadfast moral, diplomatic and political support for the just cause of Jammu and Kashmir".

Sharif was quoted as saying that support would continue till the realisation of the "lawful right to self-determination" of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a message on the occasion of observance of 'Kashmir Black Day', the Prime Minister claimed that in the wake of "extra-judicial killing" of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, the "brutality" of Indian forces had been intensified.

"They have shed all norms of humanity and civility in committing the worst form of state terrorism against the defenceless and hapless masses" of Kashmir with the "misplaced perception that they can crush the legitimate Kashmir struggle," Sharif alleged.