No change in Pakistan’s policy on Kashmir dispute: FO

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan on Thursday categorically stated that there is no change in its policy on Kashmir dispute. Addressing a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said that solution of the lingering dispute lies in granting right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people through a fair and impartial plebiscite under the umbrella of United Nations. The spokesperson called upon India to reverse its unilateral and illegal actions of 5th August last year, lift restrictions, release all the prisoners and revoke the draconian laws in the occupied territory. He said the domiciles issued post 5th August 2019 in the occupied valley should also be declared null and void. He said New Delhi should allow unfettered access to UN Military Observer Group and human rights observers and organizations to the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Chaudhri said there cannot be durable peace and security in South Asia without resolution of Kashmir dispute. He warned the world community to be cognizant of the dangerous consequences of India s belligerent rhetoric and irresponsible actions for peace and security in the region. “The world community must use all tools at its disposal to hold India accountable for its crimes against Kashmiris,” he added. When asked about Kulbushan Jadhav case, the spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to fully implement the judgment of International Court of Justice. He, however, lamented that India is trying to frustrate Pakistan s efforts in this regard. The spokesperson went on to say that the judgment of the ICJ clearly states that the review and reconsideration of Jadhav s conviction will be as per Pakistani laws. He asked India to cooperate with Pakistani courts on the matter. Regarding Afghan peace process, the spokesperson said it has reached a critical stage, adding that Pakistan desires early start of the intra-Afghan dialogue after addressal of the residual issues. “Pakistan believes in an Afghan led and an Afghan owned peace process and it will continue to play the role of a facilitator in the peace process,” he said.