LoC tensions: Pak mulls withdrawing diplomats, redeploying troops

Islamabad: Islamabad has started to think on the lines of withdrawing diplomatic staff from its missions in New Delhi as well as redeploying troops from its border with Afghanistan to the eastern frontier, after the August 6 cross-Line of Control attack that India had blamed on Pakistan Army troops. On request of anonymity, a senior Foreign Ministry official of Pakistan has told the Express Tribune that Islamabad High Commission in Delhi has reported suspicious movement of mobsters in the surrounding offices and residences of their diplomatic staff. Earlier, some protestors had tried attacking Pakistan embassy in India. Pakistan security official said that the Indian government has not arranged a foolproof security for their diplomatic missions in Delhi, despite their repeated requisitions. The tensions between the two nations have escalated since the August 6 cross-Line of Control attack that claimed several Indian army men lives. Military officials of Pakistan have also reacted strongly to senseless firing by Indian troops on Pakistani check posts in the Sialkot sector. The official further added that Pakistan Army will give a suitable response, in case of further ceasefire violations by India. He also said that the army could ask the government to withdraw some troops from the border along Afghanistan and redeploy them to the eastern frontiers. However, the official said that the final decision will be taken by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet. Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif will summon the DCC meeting to discuss the latest internal and external security threats in the coming week, the report added. Indian army chief, General Bikram Singh, has also clarified to his troops in a message that they need to be aggressive, when it comes to dealing with the Pakistani forces. ANI