It has been more than 2 months since the deadly Balakot air strikes in Pakistan but the country’s own capital still continues to stay on high alert at the border fearing that its neighbours would carry out one more surgical strike. According to the sources, Pakistan tanks are still positioned near the border.
Despite the initial signs of de-escalation, around 300 Pakistani tanks continue to be deployed along the border (in the strategic Shakargarh sector).
This also goes to show that the Pakistan army is frightened by the Balakot air strikes. After deploying a massive army along the border in the wake of February 14 Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan reduced the military deployment along the border but some elements of its three brigades namely 124 armoured brigade, 125 armoured brigade and 8 and 15 divisions still continue to remain deployed in this area.
As per a report by Times Now channel, the holding formations of Pakistan’s 30 Corps are being supported by an independent armoured brigade. Referring to government sources, the report also said that the offensive formation elements may be backed by infantry units.
The military build up reportedly started in the wake of February 14 Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy wherein a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist blew up a bus carrying CRPF paramilitary troopers in Jammu Srinagar Highway where at least 44 of them were martyred.
The report also cited government sources as saying that the Pakistan Army did not move its offensive formations i.e. 1 and 2 Corps ever since the development first happened. The Shakargarh bulge buildup is the main reason to worry- the report said referring to sources.
In February, India and Pakistan were locked in an aerial dogfight in the aftermath of Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ‘non-military, pre-emptive’ surgical operation in Balakot wherein the Indian Air Force approached decisively to eradicate Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp located inside Pakistan.