Pakistan will give 'befitting response' to its enemies, warns Nawaz Sharif as Army begins military drill code-named 'Raad Ul Barq'

Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has warned that any effort to harm Pakistan's national security will be met with a "befitting response" as the Pakistani Army began a massive military drill named 'Raad Ul Barq' in a strategically located area bordering India.

PM Sharif said this on Wednesday shortly after inspecting the military exercise, which is being conducted at Khairpur Tamewali near Bahawalpur, along with Pakistan's Chief of Army staff, General Raheel Sharif.

Addressing the audience after the military exercises, Sharif said, "The exercises reflect the preparedness of our armed forces to respond to any threat to the country's national security. Pakistan is ready to confront any ambitious and reckless move by its enemies." 

He said no country could remain oblivious to threats to its national security.

Constantly referring to India as the "enemy", Sharif said Indian aggression and brutal tactics to curb spontaneous and indigenous movements in Jammu & Kashmir have been counter-productive.

"Killing of civilians and soldiers along the LoC is an act of aggression that warrants international attention," Sharif said, adding that situation at the border remains sensitive due to India's grave violation of the ceasefire agreement. "It's extremely unfortunate that South Asia remains prone to confrontation and the security situation remains fragile, " he said.

JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, helicopter gunships and Al-Khalid tanks hit designated targets on the ground during the military exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the LoC.