Iran urges India, Pakistan to avoid any 'hasty' Kashmir decision

Iran's General Mohammad Baqeri speaks to COAS Gen Qamar Bajwa

Iran's armed forces chief of staff on Saturday cautioned Pakistan and India to avoid any "hasty decision" in Kashmir without considering the wishes of the region's people, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Islamabad reacted with fury this week after India revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir and cancelled the two rail links, suspended bilateral trade and expelled India’s ambassador, all part of a diplomatic effort to protest against the decision.

"The parties are expected to refrain from any hasty decision on the fate of the (Kashmir) region, without regards to the people's will," Major General Mohammad Baqeri was quoted by Fars as telling army chief General Qamar Bajwa, by telephone.

By repealing Article 370 of the constitution, people from the rest of India will now have the right to acquire property in Kashmir and settle there permanently.