India’s decision to scrap Article 370 treason against UN: Shehbaz

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif on Monday condemned India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in the strongest words, declaring it “unacceptable” and an “act of treason” against the United Nations.

The Indian government earlier today rushed through a presidential decree to abolish Article 370 of the Constitution which granted special status to Indian-occupied Kashmir, as tensions mounted in the disputed valley with unprecedented numbers of Indian troops deployed in the region.

Condemning the move, Shehbaz called on the Pakistani leadership to immediately demand an emergency session of the UN Security Council and to consult with China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other friendly countries over the latest development.

The opposition leader in his statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support to the Kashmiri brethren and said the people of Kashmir would not be left alone in this adversity.

Shehbaz said the move by the Indian government to abolish the article was also in violation of the Supreme Court’s orders.

He emphasised that the right to self-determination was a democratic right of the Kashmiri people but India was exterminating this right in occupied Kashmir, which remains a test for the international community.

The PML-N leader called for an emergency meeting of the parliamentary leaders so that a collective plan of action could be readied to deal with the situation.

“This is a matter of Pakistan’s national interest and the entire nation is united on this front.”

In a press conference, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Indian PM Modi wants to change the demographics of the valley by populating it with more Hindus.

He said that Modi took this step to reject the mediation offer by US President Donald Trump.

“Was it a trump card or a trap card,” said the former Punjab chief minister, adding that the US President should now prove that he was sincere about the offer to mediate. 

Extremist Indian government's intentions are clear: Bilawal

Condemning the decision, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lamented that the atrocities by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir were continuing unabated. 

"Atrocities in IOK unabated. Extremist Indian govt's intentions clear. President must immediately summon Joint session of Parliament in wake of Indian aggression in IOK," he tweeted.

Pakistan to continue diplomatic, political support to Kashmiris: Firdous

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Pakistan will continue extending moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiris until they achieve their right to self-determination under the UN Security Council resolutions.

In a series of tweets on Monday, she said India must not forget that the nation struggling for its just cause cannot be defeated by any gun, tyranny or conspiracy.

She said the international community would have to prove its respect for democracy by supporting Kashmiris.

Awan noted that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had testified that the Indian army was using cluster ammunition against innocent citizens along the Line of Control, and urged the UN and the international community to take notice of the blatant atrocities.