Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday directed troops to "respond effectively" to unprovoked ceasefire violations by India, the military's media wing reported.

He issued the directive while addressing soldiers during a visit to the Line of Control (LoC) at the Mattewala and Munaawar sectors, read the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations.

“At one hand, the ceasefire violations by Indian forces are an effort to divert world's attention from its atrocities against innocent Kashmiris, while on the other hand it is an attempt to dilute our response against terrorism and militancy,” Gen Bajwa was quoted as saying.

The targeting of civilians along the LoC is deliberate and highly reprehensible, he added.

Gen Bajwa said the army was fully aware of India’s "nefarious designs" and its support to terrorism in the region, specifically Pakistan.

“Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadev is one such evidence of these efforts and his case will be taken to the logical conclusion,” he asserted.

He said Pakistan Army will do its duty to protect the people of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir against all forms of Indian aggression.

“We will continue our solidarity with people of Indian Occupied Kashmir, who are struggling for their right of self-determination,” said Gen Bajwa.

Earlier on arrival, the General Officer Commanding had briefed the army chief about the operational situation in the sectors.

While appreciating the "operational readiness" of the troops, the army chief had said the soldiers of Pakistan Army are “known for their professional competence, motivation and selfless devotion for defence of our motherland”.