Chairman and CEO, Institute for Policy Reforms (IPR), Humayun Akhtar Khan has said that there is the deeply troubling issue of severe human and fundamental rights violation in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
While addressing a seminar here on Wednesday, Khan said it began in 2014 with the election of an Indian government inspired by the ideology of religious nationalism. "The movement has gathered stream this year with BJP's re-election, among whose visible manifestation this time is Indian's unilateral action in held Kashmir coupled with threats to the integrity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. From years of an uneasy state of living between war and pace, the menacing rhetoric from India has disturbed the balance in South Asia."
He said in part, Pakistan must take responsibility for its own past actions too. "We chose a law course, though hazardous path to national security and foreign policy and now find ourselves overcome by events. The Pakistan Prime Minister has been very clear. "Pakistan has taken every step to get itself out of the baggage of the past," he said.
He said that on the other hand, there was the deeply troubling issue of severe human and fundamental rights violation in Indian-held Kashmir. They resonate greatly with a large part of the country. The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir especially feel threatened by these developments. "Pakistan has contested actively on the diplomatic front. But we must see what other option is available to us," he said.
Stability in Afghanistan too has a direct bearing on Pakistan. It is not clear that conclusion of talks would mean a period of relative peace for Afghanistan. The country has deep ethnic and political fissures. They have not been helped by the strong rivalry within the government of national unit. Taliban claim to have about half the country or more. An indication of this could be that in the general elections, less than two and a half million people voted. This is out of an electorate of 9 million and against 7 million who voted in 2014. The encouraging part is that most parties involved want to see an end to the conflict and are working for a political settlement.
Former Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan said President Trump wanted withdrawal of his troops from Afghanistan just for his next victory in election as he made promise with Americans that US would not fight for others. He also added that dialogue between Taliban and US is just for Trump's benefits. He added that Pakistan should not do any conflict at its western boarder. Taliban should show their sincerity in the talks if their principle objective is withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. He also added that in the present situation there is a pressure on Pakistan because of the attitude of Taliban. Pakistan should be careful while making policy for Talban and Washington.
While talking on Kashmir, Riaz Mohammad Khan said PM Modi was playing with fire in Occupied Kashmir. The reaction will be very dangerous when curfew will be lifted in occupied Kashmir.
Former Commander 11 Corps Peshawar Lt Gen Asif Yasin (retd) said that Americans wanted complete withdrawal from Afghanistan. President Trump doesn't want to fight with Taliban and with Syrian etc.
He also added that Doha dialogue must continue. About Gulf issue, Yasin said Iran was in good position to respond the invaders. In case of war between India and Pakistan, India will suffer in economy because Indian economy is already in trouble.
Former Pakistan Ambassador to US and India Asharf Jehangir Qazi said that in the present situation PM Modi's future in Indian politics is at stake. So he cannot reverse his decision in Kashmir. Pakistan should isolate India internationally as India is engaged in genocide in Kashmir and Assam.
Former Ambassador, KSA, Iran and China Khalid Mahmood said that in present situation Pakistan should treat Saudi Arabia and Iran equally because both are vital for Pakistan. About Kashmir issue he said that India is treating Kashmir as Israel is treating Palestinians in Gulf.
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