Amid tensions with India, Pakistan military has moved war-like deployment from its western border to the Indian front. According to observers based in South Block, which houses the defence ministry, Pakistan army has begun a massive build up in areas along the Line of Control and international border.
Massive mobilisation of additional troops have been reported from Rawalpindi-based strategic 10 Corps along with Gujranwala-based XXX Corps towards the Line of Control, as per the information gathered by the Indian military establishment. The Sialkot-based 8th infantry division has also mobilised its troops towards the international border.
For this purpose, Pakistan has done major reinforcement from its border with Iran and Afghanistan on western front. Official sources confirmed that Pakistan deployment moved from western border includes troops, tanks and other heavy artillery machines. According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan military has also moved large number of troops from North Waziristan, Bannu and Jani Khel regions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
"We have noticed massive mobilisation of troops by Pakistan army towards LoC and even to the international border. Besides, troops and heavy artillery guns were also moved in the last couple of days. However, we are also strengthening our positions on the border to counter any provocation or misadventure by Pakistan, which will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences," said a senior defence official.
After the Indian Air Force's strike in Balakot on February 26, Pakistan army has been resorting heavy firing on the border. Between February 26 and 28, Pakistan army did 62 ceasefire violations by targeting Indian posts through heavy mortars and 120 mm artillery guns in areas south of Pir Panjal. Places like Naushera, Sunderbani, Poonch and Bhimber Gali in Rajouri have been repeatedly targeted by Pakistan army. So far, Pakistan army has done 478 ceasefire violations in this year.
Sources also claimed that mobilsation of troops by Pakistan army is opposite to the Amritsar and Samba sectors on the international border, which are considered most 'sensitive areas'.
"In a bid to keep the movement secret, Pakistan army is using public transport to ferry its troops from western border," an official added.
In a knee jerk reaction, Pakistan had already reacted to Balakot strike by India—a 'non-military pre-emptive strikes'—on February 27 by targeting Indian military establishment using F-16 fighter jets. However, the attack was thwarted by the IAF jets.
