Pak will continue to extend unstinted moral, political & diplomatic support to the people of J&K in their quest for self-determination: FO
ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (SABAH): Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has said that Pakistan will continue to extend unstinted moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for self-determination in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. She said that India continued with its policy of oppression and intimidation of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She said that Indian forces reportedly killed 214 Kashmiris; 57 of them in custody or in fake encounters. Only last week, four individuals were killed in a fake encounter in Sidhra town in Jammu. There are reports that bodies were charred beyond recognition. We call upon the international human rights machinery and organizations to take note of this tragedy.
This was stated by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a weekly press briefing on Thursday.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the “International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan”, being held in Geneva on 9 January 2023 and co-hosted by the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations.
She said that the Conference will be co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The programme will feature a high-level opening segment, where leaders will make supportive statements. In his remarks at the Conference, the Prime Minister will outline Pakistan’s vision for rehabilitation and reconstruction in a climate resilient manner. The Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General will also hold a joint press stakeout.
She said that at the Conference, Pakistan will present the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF). 4RF is a strategic policy and prioritization document of the Government of Pakistan that will guide the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction after the recent devastating floods in a climate-resilient manner. It draws from the findings of the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and presents sequenced priorities across sectors around four strategic objectives.
The 4RF document presents a policy framework, a financing strategy, and implementation and monitoring arrangements. It also includes institutional arrangements for its implementationin an open, transparent and collaborative manner with the support of development partners.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the leaders and high-level representatives from several countries and International Financial Institutions, Foundations and Funds are expected to attend the Conference, both in person and virtual format. The conference would be a demonstration of the international community’s continued support for the flood-affected people of Pakistan.
FO spokesperson said that we have categorically rejected a series of baseless and frivolous accusations made against Pakistan by the Indian External Affairs Minister. These remarks once again reflect India’s growing frustration over its failure to malign and isolate Pakistan.
She said that for a country that has a grandiose vision about itself and its place in the world, India’s obsession with Pakistan is unfathomable and absurd. For the last several years, India has been engaged in a malicious campaign to mislead the international community through a fictitious narrative of victimhood and vile anti-Pakistan propaganda.
She said that India’s continued anti-Pakistan diatribe cannot hide its brazen involvement in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan’s soil; nor can it conceal the reality of state-sponsored terrorism in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Instead of pointing fingers at others, India should itself end its involvement in terrorism, subversion and espionage against Pakistan.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that on the first of January at 1100 hours, in fulfillment of our legal obligations, Pakistan and India exchanged Lists of Nuclear Installations and Facilities; and the Lists of Prisoners in each other’s custody. These exchanges take place annually as per the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed on 31st December 1988 and ratified on 27th January 1991; and the Consular Access Agreement of 2008.
She said “as this is our first media briefing in 2023, I would like to give a brief overview of the human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the year 2022”.
She said that according to available accounts, over 4,000 Kashmiris remain imprisoned in different jails of IIOJK and India. A large number of these detainees were arrested under the draconian laws in force in IIOJK such as Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
She said that political prisoners and human rights defenders continued to be targeted and incarcerated. Resistance leaders, including All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Masarrat Aalam Bhat, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, Aasiya Andrabi; and prominent human rights defender, Khurrum Parvaiz continued to remain in detention in fake cases.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the imprisoned APHC leader, Altaf Ahmed Shah, passed awayin detention. He was incarcerated in the infamous Tihar Jail in New Delhi. He was denied timely and suitable cancer treatment. Those currently in detention are facing similarly callous treatment at the hands of the occupation authorities.
She said that in 2002, Kashmiris were alsoprevented from exercising their right to freedom of religion and of assembly as the Indian authorities repeatedly prohibited religious gatherings and Friday prayers in IIOJK.
It is especially important to remember these facts as we observethe Right to Self-Determination Day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She said that on the 5th of January in 1949, the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) adopted a resolution that guarantees a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to enable the Kashmiris to realize their right to self-determination. Since 1981, the UN General Assembly has adopted an annual resolution on “Universal Realization of the Right of Self-Determination” that draws international attention to the plight and the right of self-determination of peoples subjected to colonial, foreign and alien domination.
She said that regrettably, the oppressed people of IIOJK have not been able to exercise this right. This day reminds the international community, especially the United Nations, of the imperative of honoring its commitment made 74 years ago towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir and supporting their struggle for self-determination.
Meanwhile responding to the queries during the press briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan is determined and capable to counter any threat to its peace and security. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that engagement mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan are functional.
She said Pakistan will continue to engage with the Afghan side on matters of mutual concerns including security and border management.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently said it will continue to support the Afghan people in their quest for a unified, independent and sovereign Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and the neighbors.
Responding to a question, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said a positive momentum is being witnessed in relations between Pakistan and the United States.
She said Pakistan wants to proceed forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and interest. The Spokesperson said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have close fraternal ties which are rooted in history and common faith. She said our relations are multidimensional and that includes cooperation in defense domain.
She said the visit of the Army Chief to the Kingdom is in the context of promoting Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and defense ties.