In-camera session: Qureshi rules out 'deal' on Kashmir

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday ruled out any 'deal' on Kashmir, saying it's a national cause and all the political forces are on the same page with regard to the issue. He was speaking at a special in-camera session of Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, chaired by Syed Fakhar Imam.

Imam later told reporters that taking India to International Court of Justice (ICJ) and more steps other than the stated 'political, moral and diplomatic support' to Kashmiri people, are also under consideration.

The foreign minister told the parliamentary panel that the message is very clear on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) that no government in Pakistan can make any 'deal' on Kashmir.

He said all political parties and forces are on same page regarding the issue of Kashmir. "Pakistan has a clear policy on Kashmir and there is no question of any 'deal' on Kashmir," he stated in categorical terms, according to a statement issued by the media team of the foreign minister.

"We will never leave our Kashmiri brethren and sisters alone. This is a war for the rights of Kashmiris and we will all fight it together," Qureshi said, adding that Kashmiris on both side of the LoC have become united due to fascist and extremist policies of Narendra Modi.

He said Kashmiris have rejected the rigidity of Modi government, adding that Indian claims that 'all is well' in the occupied Kashmir have fully been exposed. He said that discussion in the European parliament about Kashmir is a failure of India.

"The so-called 'shinning India' has transformed into 'intolerant India'," he said, adding that now discussions on being held at the US Parliament and the US Congress on the situation of Kashmir.

"Kashmir is not an internal issue of India. Rather, it has been debated at the United Nations Security Council and Indian narrative on international media has faced humiliation," he added.

Asserting that Kashmir is a long struggle, Qureshi said that the nation is facing a new reality as Kashmir struggle is long-term. Briefing reporters after the meeting along with Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur, Fakhar Imam said that consultations are continuing on steps other than extending 'political, moral and diplomatic support' to Kashmiri people. However, he did not give further details of the proposed steps, but added that the legal experts are giving their opinion on the possible measures to be undertaken.

To a question, he said that taking India to ICJ is still under consideration. "I am unable to share as to what would be exact forum to take India for its August 5, 2019 illegal and unilateral steps and its aftermaths, and at what level the proposal is ... but the option is still being examined by Prime Minister and the legal experts," he added.

He maintained that Pakistan has succeeded at diplomatic level in internationalizing the Kashmir issue and sensitizing the international community. He stated that China, Malaysia, Turkey and Iran have spoken openly in support of the Kashmiri people, besides the OIC and the ongoing discussions in EU parliament, US Congress and French parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, Gandapur said that the government has decided to express solidarity with Kashmiri people on February 5, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the day while rallies will be held across the country to express complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

In a press release, Foreign Office said that as part of the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee, Syed Fakhar Imam chaired a consultative meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with former ambassadors, academicians, researchers and activists from AJK. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senators Mushahid Hussain, Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum (retd), Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Dr Moeed Yusuf and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood were also present during the meeting.

The consultations were aimed at discussing all aspects of the situation in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) where Indian occupation forces are committing crimes against humanity.

The participants applauded the resilience of the Kashmiri people and strongly condemned the blatant violations of the UN Charter as well as international human rights and humanitarian laws in IOJ&K especially during the last six months.

The participants also condemned India's belligerent rhetoric and war-mongering statements as well as deliberate targeting of civilian population and intensified ceasefire violations by India.

The participants stressed that these aggressive actions increased the risk for peace and security in the region. The participants categorically rejected all attempts by the Indian government to change the status quo.

The participants reiterated the urgency of implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir as the situation continues to become untenable, with frequent "genocide" alerts being issued by human rights activists. Participants emphasized that the struggle of Kashmiri people has been acknowledged internationally as just, peaceful and for the right cause.

The chair of the Kashmir Committee and the foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment for the Kashmir cause and highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the main pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

"Parliament and state institutions attach supreme importance to Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the right to self-determination," it added.