ISLAMABAD, May 22: Pakistan on Wednesday said it was prepared to defend itself against any Indian attack, but called for negotiations and vowed to maintain a crackdown on terrorism.

A joint meeting of the cabinet and the National Security Council expressed deep concern over the danger posed to the regional and international peace by the Indian deployment of troops on Pakistan’s borders and the Line of Control as well as threatening and aggressive statements by the Indian leadership.

The meeting, presided over by President Gen Pervez Musharraf, underlined the need for de-escalation of tension and pullback of troops on both sides to their peace time locations. It, however, expressed the determination of the people of Pakistan to defend the country against any aggression or misadventure by India.

According to an official announcement, the ministers and members of the NSC supported the government’s policy to work for defusing tension with India while remaining fully prepared and vigilant to meet any contingency resolutely and with full force.

The meeting called on the international community to impress on New Delhi the dangers inherent in the explosive situation created as a result of Indian belligerence and obduracy.

The meeting decided that the government would not allow the territory of Pakistan, or any territory whose defence was the responsibility of Pakistan, to be used for any terrorist activity anywhere in the world. It reiterated that no organization in Pakistan would be allowed to indulge in terrorism in the name of Kashmir.

The cabinet and the NSC agreed that all the differences between Pakistan and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, should be resolved through bilateral negotiations or other peaceful means as provided in the UN Charter. In this context, they stressed the need for comprehensive dialogue between the two countries.

However, the meeting declared that Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the legitimate struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.

The meeting discussed the government’s campaign against extremism and terrorism. It recalled the president’s landmark address to the nation on Jan 12 and reaffirmed the policy decisions announced by him.

The meeting expressed shock and sorrow over the assassination of Abdul Gani Lone, a veteran leader of the Kashmiri freedom struggle. It condemned this heinous act of terrorism against the leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. It called for an impartial inquiry into the murder.