Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor Saturday said that dialogue, not war, is the best course for establishment of lasting peace in the region. “War is never a solution to any problem. Pakistan has always positively responded to all peace initiatives. It’s India who backs out from dialogue. For peace, dialogue is the best course. This we always offer from the position of strength, not weakness,” he said in response to Indian army chief’s statement, who had threatened Pakistan of retaliation over its alleged involvement in the killing of a BSF soldier and policemen in Held Kashmir last week. “We need to take stern action to avenge the barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying out,” Indian army chief Bipin Rawat had said, adding, “Yes, it’s time to give it back to them in the same coin, not resorting to similar kind of barbarism. But I think the other side must also feel the same pain.” Rejecting the allegations of mutilating the body of an Indian BSF soldier, the DG ISPR said, “We are a professional force and can never undertake such non-professional action against any soldier. We believe in coexistence and peace, however any misadventure shall be effectively responded to.” Maj Gen Ghafoor said Pakistan is a peace loving country and has played unparalleled role as a force of peace in the region. “We are on positive trajectory of peace and stability after having gone through efforts over the last two decades. We understand value of peace and shall not allow it to be reversed,” he said. “Indian government is under criticism internally from opposition on various corruption scams and failure of the economic agenda. Such statements are attempts to divert domestic narrative towards Pakistan,” he added. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.