The Foreign Office said Thursday that all options are being explored in consultation with all stakeholders, including a review of bilateral engagements with India and taking it to International Court of Justice (ICJ), in the wake of Modi government's illegal actions of August 5. Speaking at his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said the process is under way and some steps have already been taken and further details about more decisions will be announced soon.
"We are exploring all options and active consultations among all stakeholders are under way," he said in response to a question about available options, including approaching the ICJ and reviewing all bilateral engagements in light of the decisions of National Security Committee. He also rejected the perception about an alleged conflict of opinion between Law Ministry and the Foreign Office on the matter of approaching the ICJ. "I would categorically state that there is no conflict between stakeholders," he asserted.
Responding to a question about Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, he said that President Trump's consistent engagement is a manifestation of his interest in the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
He said that the Prime Minister's recent telephonic conversations with President Trump were aimed at apprising the US leadership of the current situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir following India's unilateral and illegal actions.
Referring to the continued curfew and lockdown in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he urged the international community to take cognizance of blatant human rights violations by the Indian forces in occupied valley.
He said that the whole occupied valley has been converted into the largest prison in the history of mankind, adding that more than 14 million people are incarcerated in their homes.
He said Indian government has stationed over 900,000 troops in the world's most militarised region - the occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Kashmiris are being denied access to any form of communication and a humanitarian crisis is looming as occupied Kashmir is facing the shortage of food and medicines.
"India cannot impose curfew in the occupied territory for an indefinite period. Resolution of the outstanding dispute [Kashmir] is imperative in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions," he added.
To a question, Faisal expressed concerns over the suspension of social media accounts by the Twitter, especially of those who are supporting the Kashmir cause, saying that the matter has been raised with the management of social media web pages.
"This is a matter of great concern for us. We have taken this issue up as this is not fair and violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression," he added. To another query, the spokesperson said that Pakistan welcomes the statement by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei about Kashmir, adding that he has a history of active support to the Kashmir cause and Kashmiri people.
"I would state that he [Khamenei] has previously spoken on this issue as well and has been a vocal proponent and supporter of the Kashmiri people and the Kashmir cause. We are very thankful for his continued support," he added. About the US sanctions imposed on Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, he said that Pakistan has noted the development with concern, adding that Pakistan has always maintained a principled opposition to unilateral sanctions.
"The Prime Minister of Pakistan has repeatedly urged the need to resolve all issues through peaceful means and negotiations for easing of tensions in the Gulf Region. We believe that there should be room for diplomacy and dialogue and for those pursuing solutions through peaceful means," he added.
About the Kartarpur Corridor, he said that Pakistan is planning to open Corridor as per schedule. "We are hopeful that the meetings take place soon so that agreement on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor may be finalised, at the earliest," he hoped.
Asked to comment on the UAE's plan to confer its highest civil award on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the spokesperson declined to comment describing it a bilateral matter between the two countries. "I cannot comment on the bilateral matters between two countries," he added. On the mediation offer on Kashmir by certain countries, he said that many countries have offered mediation between Pakistan and India. "However, we cannot move forward unless India agrees to accept these offers," he added.
About India's refusal to share hydrological data with Pakistan, he said that the matter has been taken up with India, adding that there is an agreement between the two countries for sharing of flood data, which was signed in 1989.
According to this agreement, India is supposed to share data from 01 July till 10 October, every year, of flood waters, he said, adding that this agreement was renewed annually but this year India has refused to do so and henceforth flood data was not conveyed to Pakistan. However, they have shared some data under Article IV (8) of the IWT, which is related to extraordinary discharges and is distinct from the 1989 Agreement, he added. Commenting on President Trump's statement that Pakistan is doing little to fight Daesh, the spokesperson said that there is no organised presence of Daesh in Pakistan.
Responding to another query, he said that there is no Pakistani stranded in India after suspension of service of Samjhauta Express. However, he said that Wagah Border is open and people are crossing over from both sides. On the Afghan peace process, he reiterated Pakistan's clear vision and approach about the peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan has sincerely supported these international efforts, as part of a shared responsibility.
"We believe that a final and durable solution in Afghanistan, which would be a victory for the Afghans, the regional countries and the international community, has to be fully Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," he said, adding that it would also require a strong and consistent support in the medium to long run, of the international community, of which Pakistan would remain a part.
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