By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan has expressed its concern over the test flight of Indian drone , Rustam 2, urging that the use of drone technology should be consistent with the principles of the UN Charter, International Humanitarian Law and other established norms of responsible state behavior. “India’s development of drone technology is worrying when seen in the larger context of its buildup and expansion of military capabilities in the conventional and non-conventional domains, which are subjecting regional strategic stability to increasing strain” Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesman said on Wednesday. India carried out a test flight of its Rustam 2 drone on Monday. The drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, developed on the lines of predator drones of the United States. The objective of this drone is to carry out surveillance for the armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours, officials said, according to reports of Indian media. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesman said that the India has a knee jerk tendency of leveling baseless allegations against Pakistan. Belligerent statements by the Indian Army Chief reflect the unfortunate, jingoistic mindset prevailing in India, which can further exacerbate the already vitiated environment. “As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan refrains from such aggressive statements but our armed forces are fully capable of giving a befitting response in case of any misadventure,” Dr. Muhammad Faisal said. Pakistan ‘s Foreign Office Indian Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. J.P. Singh over the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control on February 23 and February 27 that had killed two innocent civilians. In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 400 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the death of 18 innocent civilians and injuries to 68 others.
