The Presidential address had a special focus on India’s illegal and illegitimate action regarding Kashmir and Pakistan’s efforts to bring it under international limelight. The President raised serious concerns about the plight of the people of occupied Kashmir, who have been braving a complete lockdown for more than 40 days now, and assured the Kashmiri brethren in words that must have a resounding impact the world over: “We were, we are and will always be with the Kashmiris.”
President Alvi drew the world attention towards New Delhi’s unlawful action that is not just violative of its own constitution but the 1972 Simla Agreement between Pakistan and India as well. He also exposed the “fascist Bharatiya Janata Party” whose fundamentalist Hindutva ideology has “threatened peace in the region”, by the revocation of Kashmir’s special status, and subsequent inhumane treatment of the Kashmiris.
The President also praised the PTI government’s vigorous diplomatic offensive whereby Kashmir is being discussed at all international forums. He described it as government’s “huge accomplishment” that the UNSC held a session on the Kashmir issue after more than 50 years, despite India trying its best to prevent that from happening. He also praised China and Turkey for supporting Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and described Prime Minister Imran Khan’s US visit as a success.
The President did not lose his focus despite a roar of protest in the House. “Continue to make noise but also pay attention to [what I am saying],” he said at one point to the protesting members of the opposition, demonstrating the calm he kept all through his address.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2019.
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