Pakistan rejects India’s abolishment of Article 370

India’s illegal move regarding occupied Kashmir will destroy regional peace: PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday strongly condemned and rejected the Indian government’s announcement regarding occupied Kashmir.

The Indian government rushed through a presidential decree to abolish special status granted to occupied Kashmir under the constitution.

In a press released the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indian occupied Kashmir was an internationally recognised disputed territory.

“No unilateral step by the government of India can change this disputed status, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Nor will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan,” said the press release.

“As the party to this international dispute, Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps,” it added.

The Foreign Office stressed that Pakistan stood firm in its commitment to the Kashmir cause and its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of occupied Kashmir for the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination.

‘Threat of genocide’

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood said there was a threat of genocide and ethnic cleansing in occupied Kashmir after India revoked Article 370.

Qureshi said Pakistan would request and appeal to the United Nations, OIC, friendly countries and human rights organisations not to remain silent on this issue.

According to Qureshi, the situation in occupied Kashmir was more serious than before. “We will consult our legal experts and I believe the freedom movement in Kashmir will gain momentum,” he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday termed India’s move to revoke Article 370 illegal and one which would destroy regional peace and security.

The prime minister made this statement while speaking with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir bin Mohamad on the situation in occupied Kashmir.

During their conversation, Prime Minister Imran Khan termed changing the status of occupied Kashmir as a violation of United Nations resolutions.

“India’s move will further deteriorate relations between nuclear-capable neighbours,” Prime Minister Imran Khan was quoted as telling the Malaysian prime minister.

Prime Minister Mohamad said Malaysia was closely evaluating the situation in occupied Kashmir and would remain in contact with Pakistan.

Earlier, the India government rushed through a presidential decree to abolish Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to Indian occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan condemned and rejected the Indian move and has announced that the issue will be highlighted in meetings with the US delegation visiting the country and the international community at large.

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