Bickering neighbours taking matters to UN?
The response to violence and havoc in Kashmir by Pakistan is divided between the reaction of the civil and military government, said Ayaz Amir, a columnist and a senior politician, while talking to DNA
Kashmir continues to be the victim of tensions between Pakistan and India despite both sides claiming to take measures promoting amity and peace in the area.
The killing of separatist leader Burhan Wani instigated the worst civilian violence to hit the disputed region of Indian-held Kashmir in recent memory.
Mass protests and violent uprisings broke out against Indian rule which prompted the Indian government to take harsh measures against the separatist movements demanding independence.
The brutal response by Indian armed forces caused an outrage across the world but no effective action has yet been taken to counter the trickle-down effect of conflict between the two bitter neighbours.
The government of Pakistan has been criticised for making futile attempts to raise the Kashmir issue on an international platform.
Moreover, the absence of an empowered and competent foreign minister has been a factor that becomes an obstacle for Pakistan in maintaining diplomatic foreign relations with neighbouring countries.
The response to violence and havoc in Kashmir by Pakistan is divided between the reaction of the civil and military government, said Ayaz Amir, a columnist and a senior politician, while talking to DNA.
Recently, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to end the inhuman treatment of the people living in Indian-held Kashmir and announced to address the matter at United Nations General Assembly session on 21 September.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said that the international community must recognise the demands of Kashmiri people and support them in their struggle for freedom.
PM Nawaz met with President Azad Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan to discuss the development of a more evolved strategy to urge the world leaders to intercede on cruelties in IHK.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech claimed that the people of Balochistan demanded independence from Pakistan.
The Indian PM faced a backlash for not addressing the atrocities committed by Indian forces in Kashmir and interfering in what Pakistan calls its ‘internal affairs’.
Modi’s remarks regarding the dispute in Balochistan were seen as an attempt to distract world attention from the rising tensions in Kashmir.
India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan has shifted due to intensified friction between two nations, said Moeed Yusuf, a foreign policy expert, while talking to DNA.
“Initially, India avoided raising the human rights abuse in Balochistan due to allegations made against Indian government for involvement in creating unrest in the region,” said Yusuf.
The arrest of a spy belonging to Indian Intelligence’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) further strengthened allegations claiming Indian involvement in destabilising Balochistan to halt the construction of CPEC.
The people of Indian-held Kashmir must have the liberty to hold a fair and impartial plebiscite according to the UNSC resolutions
It seems India’s latest strategy to counter the claims regarding brutalities in Kashmir is to discuss insurgency and militancy in Balochistan if Pakistan continues to make Kashmir a multilateral issue, said Moeed Yusuf.
“Dealing with militancy is India’s internal issue and any other country’s interference will not be tolerated,” said one of the officials from Modi’s ruling party.
India, while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), raised the issue of alleged human rights abuse by Pakistan’s military establishment in Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
India’s Representative to the UN, Arjit Kumar, at the 33rd Session of the UNHRC in Geneva said that Pakistan should focus on improving the human rights situation in the country.
“Pakistan’s predictable response to the allegations of human rights violations in Balochistan would be that India should refrain from interfering in Pakistan’s internal matters,” said Moeed Yusuf.
PM Nawaz said the resolution of the dispute in Indian-held Kashmir was only possible through the realisation of the fact that the people of Kashmir have the right to self-determination.
Moreover, the spokesperson for the US State Department John Kirby said that the US government respects the unity and sovereignty of Pakistan and do not support independence for Balochistan.
The 22 envoys appointed by PM Nawaz to highlight the Kashmir issue on internationals forums should urge the UN and other human rights commission across the world to visit IHK and investigate the grave violations being executed by Indian forces.
“The obvious step that Pakistan must take is to point out the atrocities and human rights violations committed by Indian forces in IHK,” said former Pakistani ambassador to the US, Abida Hussain, while talking to DNA.
The human rights violations and killings in Indian occupied Kashmir are far greater compared to the crimes committed in Balochistan, said Hussain.
Pakistan has made attempts to protest at the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) claiming that India has presented false figures regarding killings in Kashmir.
Around 100 civilians were killed and 10,000 were injured whereas; 700 have lost their eye sights due to the usage of pellets guns by Indian army in Kashmir, Pakistan told UN.
“The prime minister needs to appoint a foreign minister who would pursue a more pro-active foreign policy to resolve the conflict between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir,” Abida Hussain added.
Pakistan’s role in resolving the Kashmir dispute involves directing the world’s attention towards the brutalities against the innocent civilians in the region.
The people of Indian-held Kashmir must have the liberty to hold a fair and impartial plebiscite according to the UNSC resolutions.
