Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned India's ongoing efforts to consolidate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, warning that Pakistan will never accept any unilateral steps aimed at altering the region’s disputed status.
Speaking on the occasion of Kashmir Exploitation Day, Dar said the Modi-led government is reportedly considering declaring the region a Union Territory, a move he termed a continuation of India’s strategy to suppress the Kashmiri identity and violate their rights.
He said India used the Pulwama incident as a pretext to eliminate the special status of occupied Kashmir, an illegal action taken unilaterally on August 5, 2019. "India turned the entire valley into a prison and stripped Kashmiris of their fundamental rights," he added.
Dar noted that any internal legislation cannot alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Kashmir. He said India’s actions are in direct violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international human rights laws.
"India seeks permanent membership of the UN Security Council, while blatantly ignoring the Council’s resolutions on Kashmir," said Dar. "New Delhi's oppressive tactics are designed to erase the identity of the Kashmiri people, but Pakistan will never let that happen."
He also slammed India for denying access to global media to review ground realities in the region and for its ongoing crackdown on innocent Kashmiris. "Kashmiris are being martyred merely for raising their voice for rights," he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support, Dar recalled Quaid-e-Azam's declaration that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein. He criticized PTI for politicizing the Kashmir Exploitation Day for domestic gains, calling it an irresponsible act that divided the nation.
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that Pakistan does not want war but is fully prepared to respond to any aggression. "If anyone casts an evil eye on Pakistan, we will take it out," he warned.
Dar also highlighted the sacrifices of the armed forces, referring to India’s losses during military confrontations. He emphasized that dialogue is the only way forward for lasting peace in the region, but that Pakistan would give a befitting response to any hostile move.
He concluded by urging India to stop its human rights violations in Kashmir, release political prisoners, revoke draconian laws, and reverse its unilateral actions of August 5, 2019.
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