ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan on Sunday said that Pakistan reiterated its moral, diplomatic and political support for the ‘cause of the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir’.
“27th October marks one of the darkest chapters of the Jammu & Kashmir history. On this day, seven decades ago, Indian forces landed in Srinagar to occupy, subjugate, oppress and terrorize the innocent people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) in blatant violation of international law,” President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said in a statement.
The statement added that the United Nations Security Council through several of its resolutions, has validated the Kashmiris’ right to decide their future through a fair and impartial plebiscite.
“Despite its commitment to the international community to enforce these resolutions, India has embarked on a path of punitive suppression and pathological genocide that continues to this day,” President Alvi said
Pakistan’s President said that India does not realize that it is “impossible to crush the spirit of a people once they commit to the achievement of their freedom” and added “Pakistan strongly supports the OHCHR (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) Report’s recommendation to constitute a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to analyze the human rights situation in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir.”
On Friday, the Interior Ministry on Friday issued a notification to this effect, urging people to wear black armbands and observe a minute-long silence at 1pm on Saturday.
The Kashmiris in the Indian administered Kashmir went on a general strike this week to bring international attention to what they say are Indian killings and brutalities against innocent civilians in the region. Prior to that, the valley witnessed gunbattles between security personnel and armed inhabitants of the area which resulted in several casualties.
Indian forces have been accused of using explosives in densely-populated areas, as some residents blame them for detonating bombs in areas where they suspect the presence of armed rebels. It may be recalled that the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights launched a first-of-its-kind report on violence perpetrated by Indian forces in Kashmir, in June this year.
The report mentioned an excessive use of force against innocent civilians along with other brutal tactics – as such sexual violence and enforced disappearances – which were frequently being used to break the will of Kashmiris. While India dismissed the report as “tendentious and motivated”, Pakistan has undertaken several diplomatic initiatives to bring international attention to the Indian oppression of the region.
Pakistan’s army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, while visiting troops at the Line of Control on Thursday, described the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as an unfinished business of partition of 1947.
The Kashmiris have been uprising against Indian forces since 1989. According to some estimates, about 70,000 people have lost their lives since then. The residents of the valley say they will to continue to 'struggle for their self-determination.'
Pakistan observes ‘Kashmir Black Day’
Pakistan observes ‘Kashmir Black Day’
- Pakistan said it reiterates its moral, diplomatic and political support for Kashmir
- Army chief described the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as an unfinished business of partition of 1947
Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers
- Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
- Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.
Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.
“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.
“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.
Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.
China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.
