'Escalation not in anyone's favour': PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said efforts for de-escalation should not be considered weakness.

Addressing the joint session of Parliament, the premier stressed, "All issues should be resolved through dialogue. Despite us opening the Kartarpur corridor, we received no response from India."

"When the Pulwama attack happened, we were blamed within 30 minutes," he lamented. "I'm not saying that India has a part to play in India but I asked them to share evidence."

Lauding the Pakistani media, the premier said, "Indian media created war hysteria. Our media showed solidarity and acted responsibly."

The premier said, "We had understood that they [India] will do something. PM Imran explained, "The only purpose of our strike was to demonstrate our capability and will. We did not want to inflict any casualty on India as we wanted to act in a responsible manner."

"I had said that if India does something then we will respond," he asserted. PM Imran continued, "India violated the UN Charter." The premier said, "India gave us a dossier today, two days after they attacked us."

"Countries are ruined because of miscalculation. War is not a solution. If India takes any action, we will have to retaliate," he asserted.

Stating that the current situation is because of Kashmir, the premier said, "At one point, Kashmiri leaders had not wanted separation, but because of Indian brutalities, today all they demand is independence."

The premier questioned, "How long will Pakistan be blamed for everything in Kashmir? And asked to take action without any proof?"

Stressing that talks with Kashmir are important, the premier cautioned, "The situation should not get out of hand or Pakistan will have to retaliate."

“I hope the international community will play its part to ensure the situation does not escalate beyond this,” the prime minister added.

PM Imran also said he attempted to hold a telephone call with Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi last night to tell him we want de-escalation.

Indian pilot to be released tomorrow

The premier announced, "We have decided to release the captured Indian pilot tomorrow as a peace gesture." Pakistan on Wednesday shot down two Indian aircraft when the crossed the Line on Control and captured Wig Commander Abhinandan.