Will go to any "extent for Kashmir-cause": Pakistan Army Chief
A day after BJP-led Centre took steps to rip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, Pakistan's Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday said the country will go to any "extent" to support Kashmiris in their "struggle for freedom". Earlier in the day, Bajwa presided over the Corps Commanders Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Here are more details.
Backstory: J&K no longer enjoys a special status
In a historic move, the Centre made changes in Article 370 of the constitution, which allowed citizens of J&K to live under a separate set of laws. It also split the northernmost state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said this decision will promote development in the state while effectively curtailing terrorism and corruption.
Earlier, Pakistan said people of J&K will not accept it
India's bold move, quite obviously, miffed Pakistan. Reacting to the development, Pakistan said it was "illegal". "No unilateral step by the Government of India can change this disputed status, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Nor will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan," the foreign ministry of Pakistan said in a statement.
Pakistan is committed to Kashmir issue: Shah Mahmood Qureshi
"Pakistan reaffirms it's abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause and its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi added.
Unsurprisingly, Pakistan's military also supported the government's stand
Following the same line of thought, the media wing of Pakistan's military also "rejected" India's move. "The forum fully supported the government's rejection of Indian actions regarding Kashmir. Pakistan never recognized the sham Indian efforts to legalize its occupation of Jammu & Kashmir through article 370 or 35-A decades ago; efforts which have now been revoked by India itself," Inter-Services Public Relations' statement read.
Shall go to any extent to "fulfill our obligations": Bajwa
Last month, Imran Khan sought help from Trump on Kashmir
To recall, just a few days ago, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan sought help from US President Donald Trump to "solve" the Kashmir dispute. On his maiden visit to the US, Khan told Trump millions of people will give him wishes if he can mediate in this matter. While Trump seemed eager, New Delhi maintained that the dispute will be solved bilaterally without third-party interference.
