ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has termed the Indian revocation of special status for disputed Kashmir a “unilateral and unjust” move that will jeopardize peace in the region.
“Just when the Afghan peace process was making a smooth headway, India has played the role of a spoiler by creating this distraction,” he told Arab News from Jeddah where he was attending the emergency meeting of the OIC on Kashmir hosted on Tuesday.
Qureshi said, “Russia, China, Central Asian Republics, and Pakistan all have shared objective to have peace restored in Afghanistan, the cease-fire implemented, and stability returning to the country.”
“This kind of diversion at this stage, at such a sensitive point, neither serves the region nor helps the US interests. They [India] have rather hindered [the process] through this destruction.”
Qureshi said that Islamabad will “use all diplomatic, legal and political options against the unilateral and unjust Indian decision of revoking special constitutional status of Indian occupied Kashmir.”
Pakistan has already initiated efforts to lobby world powers, he continued.
“Pakistan has not only taken up the issue with United States but also has started using its diplomatic contacts with China, Russia and other powers of the world.”
He said that US President Donald Trump had offered to mediate on Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India which New Delhi unfortunately rejected.
“Now, Pakistan will use United Nations Security Council as well as other humanitarian and legal ways to take up the volatile issue of Kashmir to save the Kashmiri brothers,” he added. “Our legal experts are looking into all the possible dimensions to use the International Court of Justice or other legal platforms.”
Qureshi said that “the world has not only condemned India’s ruthlessly imposed decision on Kashmiri people but has rejected it altogether.”
He said the Kashmiri diaspora is in “sheer anguish” while voices within India are condemning the move. “Indian legal experts, themselves, are saying that the decision is unlawful and can be a big challenge for its government. It will create chaos within India.”
Pakistan has constituted a seven-member committee to review the political, diplomatic and legal aspects to prepare a proposed response in view of the critical situation of the Indian administered Kashmir.
According to the official notification, the committee comprises Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Attorney-General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, renowned international law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi, as well as three top military generals including chiefs of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Operations, and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
India’s Kashmir decree a ‘spoiler’ in Afghan peace process — Qureshi
India’s Kashmir decree a ‘spoiler’ in Afghan peace process — Qureshi
- Says New Delhi’s revocation of Kashmir’s special status will have regional implications
- Pakistan vowed to make all diplomatic and political efforts to challenge the Indian move
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.
