Pakistan Air Force says it is ready to combat external aggression

Islamabad, Sep 29 (IANS) Amid the intense diplomatic stand-off between New Delhi and Islamabad and cross-border firing, the Pakistan Air Force said on Thursday it is vigilant at all times and ready to combat any external aggression.

The statement from the Pakistan Air Force came in response to the "unprovoked" firing by Indian forces across the Line of Control (LoC) early Thursday, in which two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

The spokesperson said India's claim that it was a "surgical strike" is based on a "fabricated lie".

The PAF will protect Pakistan's air limits at any cost, the spokesperson said.

The Indian firing came amid mounting tensions between the two nuclear-armed adversaries over the Jammu and Kashmir issue.