Entire Pakistan stands united for Kashmir's cause, says PM Imran

Invites Modi to dialogue; says offer should not be confused for weakness; says no NRO at all for opposition

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that the entirety of Pakistan stands united for the cause of Kashmir, saying the United Nations has not been able to honour its promise made to the people of the occupied valley.

"We want an end to the atrocities and barbarities being committed in Kashmir," PM Imran said, adding, "Kashmiris should be given the right to decide their fate."

"The issue of Kashmir has been lingering since 1948 and it could be resolved along the lines of resolution of other international disputes, such as East Timor," the premier said while addressing a mammoth solidarity rally in Kotli, Azad Kashmir.

"I invited [Indian PM Narendra] Modi several times to come to the table of dialogue as it was the only viable solution," PM Imran said.

Also read: ‘Pakistan united, resolute with Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for self-determination’

He added, "I realised following the Pulwama incident that they don't want peace or friendly ties, and intended to use the issue for political gains."

"I'm still asking Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue through talks," and added, "but don't confuse our invitation for dialogue as a sign of weakness or fear."

"Pakistan is the country of people who don't fear anyone but Allah; never have and never will," he maintained. "Those who bow before Allah don't bow before anyone else."

PM observed that today, no one who has the support of the Indian government could win elections from occupied Kashmir.

He asked India to shun the ideology of extremists and the fascist RSS. "Such fascist ideologies do the most damage. India has sowed the seed of its own destruction by supporting the ideology."

On the occasion, the premier announced to launch a special compensation package for the people of Kashmir residing near the border. "We will announce a package for those who have been the victims of Indian firing along the Line of Control."

Also read: Qureshi writes to UNSC, seeks intervention on Kashmir

'No NRO for looters'

Turning his guns towards the opposition, PM Imran said, "I'm ready for any sort of agreement, but I will never handout a NRO to the looters".

The premier further said, "I will help the opposition out with organising their long march anywhere they want, but will not give them the NRO".

Earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a message to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, reaffirmed that Pakistan stood united and resolute with the Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for self-determination, which has been reaffirmed by the international community in numerous United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Pakistan is observing Kash­mir Solidarity Day today, with public rallies being held across the country in a bid to express support to Kashmiris in their struggle and inalienable right to self-determination as per the resolutions of the United Nations.