Pakistan rejects India’s decision to abolish occupied Kashmir special status

FO says Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter New Delhi's illegal steps

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned and ‘rejected’ Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370 and scrap the special status for disputed Kashmir through a presidential decree hours after imposing a major security clampdown in the region.

“The Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory,” the Foreign Office said in a press statement.

It further said that no unilateral step by India can change the disputed status, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

“Nor will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan. As a party to the international dispute, Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps," the statement added.

“Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause and its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination,” it maintained.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the Kashmir cause and said it will raise the matter with the United States and other international stakeholders.

"We intend to firmly highlight our stance in our meetings with the US delegation visiting Pakistan and with the International Community at large," the minister said in a tweet.

Pakistan condemns & rejects announcements made today by Indian Government regarding Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. We intend to firmly highlight our stance in our meetings with the US delegation visiting Pakistan and with the International Community at large. 1/2

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 5, 2019

Pakistan reaffirms it's abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause and its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination. 2/2 https://t.co/f6zBVKeoMJ

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 5, 2019

 

In comments made earlier in the day, Qureshi called on the United Nations to play its due role in resolving the Kashmir issue. "Today is a black day in the history of Kashmir. We cannot stay silent on the issue."

He said India was losing credibility on the international front as the people of IoK have opposed the Modi government's decision.

"The secular India of Nehru and Gandhi is dead. I foresee further repression; abrogation of Article 370 will lead to more bloodbath in IoK."

The FM said the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN) had been briefed about the issue. "Time will prove that India has made wrong decisions," he said.

"India wants to completely occupy IoK. Modi’s India is the India of Hindutva."

He said the global Muslim community will have to play an effective role to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Political response

In the wake of the deteriorating situation in occupied Kashmir, a joint session of parliament has been summoned on Tuesday (tomorrow).

All through Monday, politicians from various parties voiced concern over India's unilateral move to abolish Article 370.

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif called for political unity to address the challenge posed by India's unilateral move.

At a press conference, he said Modi's decision to revoke Article 370 was a test for US President Donald Trump. “Did Trump really offer to help resolve the issue or was it just a gimmick?” he questioned.

“He [Trump] must prove that this was not part of his agenda for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.”

In a series of tweets posted earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly said Pakistan must engage with international stakeholders.

Pakistan must immediately call an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and should engage all friendly countries for a strong and decisive strategy.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 5, 2019

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said in his tweet that India's intentions are now clear.

Atrocities in IOK unabated. Extremist Indian govts intentions clear. President must immediately summon Joint session of Parliament in wake of Indian aggression in IOK. #KashmirBleeds

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 5, 2019

Chairman of Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Asad Umer questioned India’s democratic status in his tweet saying that the abolishing Article 370 not only violets international laws but India’s own Constitution.

Indian amendment in the constitution regarding status of occupied kashmir, is in violation of international resolutions and even violates India's own constitution! Is india still a constitutional democracy or is now practically under hindutva raj?

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 5, 2019

Reacting to the abolishment of Article 370, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)  President  Shahbaz Sharif has said that India has declared war on United Nations.

“This is highly condemnable,” he said. “ Pakistan should immediately call an emergency  meeting with United Nations Security Council.”

PML-N senior leader Ahsan Iqbal tweeted that Narendra Modi is trying to destabilise the region.

Time to stand with Kashmiri brethren. India’s unilateral action of changing status of #Kashmir is violation of Security Council resolution & most condemnable. Modi is destabilising region. We should take matter to Security Council & convene special OIC Summit. #AzadiforKashmir

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 5, 2019

 

Indian forces martyr seven Kashmiris in fresh crackdown

Seeing the atrocities in occupied Kashmir, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the silence of the international community on the grave issue.

India has put Kashmir under curfew and house arrest. A communications blackout muzzles phone,internet,cable tv.Over 800,000 troops r locking down an oppressed people while BJP’s Delhi changes their fate. Where is the international community? #SaveKashmirSOS @UNmustact

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) August 5, 2019

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz said the India government has challenged international laws abolishing Article 370.