Act of solidarity: Parliament adopts resolutions supporting Kashmir cause

Lawmakers call for international mediation to prevent rights abuse in the disputed territory.

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly unanimously adopted two resolutions - expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir and calling upon the government to hold dialogue with India over its plans to construct new dams on Pakistani rivers.

The resolution, moved by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman – who also heads the parliamentary panel on Kashmir -- sparked a debate in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday.

While addressing the house, Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai cautioned Islamabad against forcing its will on the people of Kashmir rather than allowing them the right of self-determination.



“It is exclusive right of people of occupied Kashmir to decide about their future,” Achakzai said, adding that Pakistan should accept the decision of Kashmiris.

Wading into the debate, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shafqat Mahmood said that relations between India and Pakistan wouls not improve until the longstanding Kashmir dispute is resolved through a fair and free referendum. “It is vital for the region that the Kashmir dispute is resolved amicably at the earliest,” he said.

While presenting the resolution in parliament, Fazlur Rehman said that Pakistan has taken a principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir which won the endorsement of the international community and the United Nations. “The dispute should be resolved as per aspirations of people of Kashmir,” he said.



At the same time, Rehman called upon India to include Kashmiri leaders, who were genuine stakeholders, in the dialogue process along with Pakistan.

“This house condemns violations of human rights in Indian-held Kashmir,” said the JUI-F chief, adding that India should respect the human rights of Kashmiris and allow them free speech and movement.

Referring to the groundswell of anger over the longstanding issue Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Tahir Iqbal said the international community should help resolve the dispute as it is a sensitive issue and could trigger a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

The international community should understand the gravity of the issue and play a role in resolving it, he said.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) faulted successive governments for their inaction. “The government should take practical steps to resolve the dispute,” said Abdul Waseem, the party’s member.

Resolution on dams

Lawmakers also expressed serious concern over New Delhi’s plan to build Baglihar and Kishan Ganga dams over Pakistan’s rivers, which are expected to effect the capacity of Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-Electric Project by at least 10%.

They said that the agriculture sector would be affected due to the shortage of water in future and urged the government to vigorously defend the country’s rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2014.