Islamabad, Aug 06 (TNS): Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistan will never accept the Indian efforts to annex the state of Kashmir.
Giving a policy statement in the joint session of the parliament in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the revocation of articles 370 and 35A by Indian government will further intensify the freedom struggle of Kashmiris.
He said the Indian step of revocation of Kashmir’s special status contravenes all relevant UN resolutions, India courts’ decisions and the public opinion.
Imran Khan expressed fear that India will now do ethnic cleansing of Kashmiris in order to change the demography of the occupied territory.
Imran Khan said the current BJP government in India is a follower of RSS that believes in racist ideology against all the minorities in that country. He said the father of nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had recognized this much earlier and supported the two-nation theory to give the Muslims of India a separate homeland that is free from bigotry and racism.
The Prime Minister warned that if the two nuclear armed neighbors fail to resolve their issues, including Kashmir, a Pulwama like trigger could drag them into a war which would not remain limited to conventional conflict.
Imran Khan said after coming to power he sought to improve relations with all the neighbors, including India, as he had a vision to rid the country of poverty.
He said after winning election, he offered India that if it takes one step, Pakistan will respond with two. However, his hand of friendship was not reciprocated by its counterparts in India.
He said after the Pulwama attack in Occupied Kashmir, he told India that Pakistan had nothing to do with it as it was a local reaction. But, Indians blamed Pakistan for this incident without any proof and launched a provocative action on 26th February this year against us which was befittingly responded to by our valiant armed forces. He said Pakistan even returned the captured Indian pilot as we believe in humanity and resolving of issues through talks.
The Prime Minister said the attitude of Indian government after elections in their country revealed that they were not serious in holding dialogue and resolving the bilateral issues peacefully.
The Prime Minister said during his meeting with the President Trump, he sought his mediation in resolution of Kashmir issue as it has made the people of the region hostage for decades. However, the Modi government took this step to further deteriorate the situation. Even in their domestic politics, BJP government has cornered the opposition parties and tarnished the image of a secular state.
Imran Khan said not only Pakistan, but whole Muslim world understands and recognizes the just struggle of Kashmiris for their self-determination.
The Prime Minister urged the international community to play its due role in resolution of Kashmir issue for regional peace and security as the issue has the potential to harm the world peace efforts. He said this period in history will be remembered as a dark chapter. He said the appeasement of India will not work, as it did not do in 1930s to Hitler.
Responding to points raised by leader of the opposition Shahbaz Sharif in his address, the Prime Minister said his recent visit to the United States was aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said the success of this visit can be gauged from the fact that the United States is also endorsing Pakistan’s point of view that there is no military solution to Afghan conflict. This convergence of views will help a great deal in resolving the Afghan impasse.
The Prime Minister said he raised the issue of Kashmir with President Trump as he truly believes that its resolution could lead to peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia region. Prime Minister said in the wake of recent developments in Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan is approaching all relevant international forums to raise the sensitivity and gravity of this issue.
Addressing the joint session, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan is for Kashmiris and Kashmiris are for Pakistan.
He said Indian Prime Minister’s attempt to occupy the state of Kashmir by revocation of article 35-A has a direct bearing on security and integrity of Pakistan. He said the whole people of Pakistan want to know what response the government will take to counter the situation.
Shahbaz Sharif said Modi government not only usurped the rights of Kashmiris, but also challenges the dignity and honor of Pakistan. This action by India is a slap on the face of UNSC and international community.
He said Pakistan wants to resolve issues peacefully as war is no solution to any problem.
Expressing his views at the joint session of the parliament, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said India can never change the status of Kashmir as a disputed territory.
He said Indian revocation of Articles 370 and 35A has opened the door to turn Kashmiris a minority in their homes.
He said Indian people and world should not accept this to happen. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Kashmiris have the same right to live in peace and freedom just as we do. He said we will not remain silent on this cruelty.
Chairman PPP said Narendra Modi is an extremist Indian Prime Minister with blood on his hands. Pakistan should expose the malicious designs of BJP government and Hinduvta ideology of Modi.
Bilawal said the revocation of special status of Kashmir has turned India into an occupying power.
The joint sitting of the Parliament will now meet again tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
