WEB DESK / New Delhi
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that two Indian MiGs crossed the border and two pilots are in Islamabad’s custody. In an address to his nation, which again appears to be a recorded statement, Khan said that ‘better sense should prevail. He also offered chance of talk to India. He alleged that, “India became judge, jury and executioner after the Pulwama terror attack.”
“We offered peace to India after what happened in Pulwama. I understand the pain of the families (who lost family members in Pulwama). I have visited hospitals and seen the pain of people affected by violence,” Khan said. “We offered India that we would investigate. We wanted to cooperate and were ready to do so. I feared that India would still take action, and I had therefore warned India against aggression,” he added.
Talking about the IAF strike, Khan said, “”When India stuck yesterday morning, we spoke to our army command and waited to take action till we assessed the damage caused.”
About the airspace violation, Khan said that, “”Our action was only intended to convey that if you can come into our country, we can do the same. Two of their MiGs were shot down (in the ensuing action). From here, it is imperative that we use our heads and act with wisdom.”
“All wars are miscalculated, and no one knows where they lead to. World War I was supposed to end in weeks, it took six years. Similarly, the war on terrorism was not supposed to last 17 years.
“I ask India: with the weapons you have and the weapons we have, can we really afford a miscalculation? If this escalates, it will no longer be in my control or in Modi’s.
“We understand the grief that you have suffered in Pulwama and are ready for a probe and dialogue.
“Let’s sit together and settle this with talks,” Khan said at the end of his statement.