FM Qureshi, Pervez Khattak visit LoC to show solidarity with Kashmiris –FM reaffirms solidarity with Kashmiri people in fight for self-determination

ISLAMABAD : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defense Minister Pervaiz Khattak and Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Security Moed Yusuf visited Line of Control (LoC) at Chirikot sector on Monday to express solidarity with Kashmiris. Representatives of foreign media also accompanied the delegation, where military officials briefed them about the ongoing violations of LoC by Indian security forces and the consequent damage to civilian population in the wake of frequent firing. In a video message before leaving for Chiri Kot Sector of Line of Control, Qureshi said that they want to show to the people of Kashmir that they are standing with them. “We want to show solidarity with all the Kashmiri people who have been injured or killed in the constant ceasefire violations by India,” he remarked. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Kashmiris had rejected India’s illegal move of August 5 and would continue their struggle for their right to self-determination. He said the visit to LoC aimed at expressing solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris and their families being subjected to daily Indian atrocities and unprovoked firing. “We want to assure them that the Pakistan Army, the Pakistani leadership and the entire Pakistani nation stand by you,” he said. “Secondly, I want to make it clear to the Indian government that despite your oppression, the Kashmiris have rejected your August 5 move. No one will accept them,” he said. Paying tribute to the courage and spirit of the soldiers of the Pakistan Army stationed at LoC, the Foreign Minister said entire nation was proud of their bravery and valor.  “We want to give a clear message to the Indian government that all its actions have been rejected by the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.” India will have to accept their right to self-determination. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a press conference, said that the government has planned a number of activities to show how Kashmiris are being exploited by India. He said the Kashmiri people have rejected the Indian illegal steps of 5th August and nobody will accept them. He said that the Kashmiri people will continue their struggle until they get their right to self-determination. He said that he is visiting the LoC to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people who face the Indian atrocities and unprovoked firing on daily basis. The foreign minister was also accompanied Special Assistant to PM on National Security Moeed Yusuf, media representatives and military officers. The media-persons will be informed about regular violations of the Line of Control by the Indian forces and targeting the civilian population near the LoC. Recently a visit of the representatives of international media was also arranged to make them aware about duplicity of Indian stance. It is pertinent to mention here that the government of Pakistan has today changed the name of Kashmir Highway to Srinagar Highway and the boards of new name of the road have also been installed at various points.