Masood Azhar is in Pakistan, but "very unwell": Pakistan Minister
What's the story
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while speaking to CNN, confirmed Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar was in his country but stressed he was "very unwell". According to Qureshi's information, Masood couldn't even "leave his home". Qureshi was speaking on the ongoing tensions between the bitter neighbors and was asked about JeM, the outfit responsible for Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were martyred.
Statement
Qureshi asks India to provide proofs, again
When asked what action is Pakistan planning against Masood, considering his doings are in a huge way responsible for the bitter relations, Qureshi said his country followed a legal process. He said India should hand over evidence which would be presented in a Pakistani court. More than what one believes and doesn't, the proofs have to hold in the court, added Qureshi.
Twitter Post
Here's a clip of the interview
Masood Azhar is in Pakistan, he is very unwell, he's unwell to the extent that he can't leave house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have. If they have evidence share with us so that we can convince the people and the judiciary: Shah Mahmood Qureshi. pic.twitter.com/kngJB5x1BT
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) March 1, 2019
Decision
Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's stand on IAF pilot Abhinandan
On the decision taken by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pertaining to the release of captured IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Qureshi said it was a "goodwill gesture". He added Pakistan is ready to take steps which will lead to a de-escalation of the border tensions. Wing Commander Varthaman, whose MiG-21 Bison crashed on Wednesday, is expected to return to India around 2 PM.
US role
Qureshi thanked US for taking interest in de-escalation
Furthermore, Qureshi thanked US President Donald Trump for the interest he showed to calm the simmering emotions. "The US and Pakistan have had good relations for decades. We have been close allies and today we have a shared objective to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan," Qureshi added. He appreciated that the US took note of the rising tensions and advocated restraint.
War
We don't want war but peace, says Qureshi
On the probability of a war between India and Pakistan, Qureshi said his country doesn't want it. "This is a new government with a new mindset. We want to live in peace. We have a people-centric agenda. We want to concentrate on fixing the economy. We want to improve governance in Pakistan," added Qureshi. He said Pakistan never wanted escalation.
India's stand
Earlier, Indian officers busted Pakistan's lies
Notably, in a press conference on Thursday, IAF, Indian Army and Navy busted Pakistan's lies of not wanting an escalation. The service officers said Pakistan targeted Indian military establishments, despite the Balakot airstrikes being concentrated on terror camp. One F-16 fighter jet of Pakistan was also shot in the aerial engagement, IAF's RGK Kapoor confirmed. The officers also showed proofs to support this.