PML-N rejects Kashmir 2nd referendum idea

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement regarding holding “a second referendum” in Kashmir after a UN-mandated plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to determine if they want to be a part of Pakistan or become independent.

“He [PM Imran] is deviating from the historical and constitutional position of Pakistan by talking about another referendum,” the National Assembly opposition leader said in a statement on Saturday.

Shehbaz said the entire nation rejects any position other than Pakistan’s historic stance on the Kashmir dispute and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

“His statement has proved the concerns that have already surfaced with India’s actions on August 5, 2019,” Shehbaz said in a reference to India’s illegal annexation of the disputed valley.

“The Kashmir dispute will be decided under the auspices of the UN with the inalienable right to a transparent and free referendum. This is the position of the people of Pakistan and Kashmir.”

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The former Punjab chief minister maintained that imposing any solution on Kashmiris without their consent and consultation is tantamount to helping India and betraying the Kashmir cause.

At the Friday rally, PM Imran had rubbished the opposition parties’ allegations that his government was mulling to make the AJK a province of Pakistan. “I do not know where all this talk has sprung from,” he had added.