By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday slammed Modi-led Indian government for failed attempts to distort history.
In a statement released here, the Foreign Office (FO) said it was unfortunate that as the people of India and Pakistan approach the Independence Day celebrations, the BJP government has shown its true colors with its mischievous move to mark 14 August as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’.
“We strongly denounce this move which reeks of the reprehensible playbook of hatred, misinformation and communalism that has become the hallmark of BJP-led India of today”, said FO.
It is deplorable that the BJP government, as part of its divisive political agenda, is wantonly attempting to play with the sentiments of the people through one-sided and distorted interpretation of history.
The government of India is advised to desist from politicizing the events related to Independence and instead sincerely honor the memories of all those who sacrificed their lives for a better future for all.
Let me say this loud and clear – Pakistan will proudly celebrate the magnificent milestone of our Diamond Jubilee, as befits the nation. Preparations are underway across Federal and Provincial governments to celebrate the momentous occasion with various activities. Notably, this includes release of the new recording of our National Anthem. On its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also paying a musical tribute to ‘Pakistan At 75’ through a special rendition by officers of the Ministry to be released on August 14.
As the whole country is decked in festive hues of white and green, let me also share that our Missions across the world will also be curating a special experience for our expatriate community by organizing numerous events ranging from elegant flag hoisting ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, art expos, sporting events, gala evenings, musical nights, trade exhibitions in addition to strong and unified digital campaigns to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Speaking about Youm-e-Istehsal, FO Secretary begun by recalling the solemn observance of Youm-e-Istehsal on 5th August. The day was observed across the Pakistan to denounce the third year of Indian military siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in the wake of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 and subsequent measures aimed at undermining the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, and to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory. It was an occasion to reaffirm the nation’s unwavering support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination.
The Indian Charge d’Affaires (Cd’A) was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed the Government of Pakistan’s unequivocal rejection of India’s illegal and unilateral actions, which were in complete violation of the UNSC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, international law, and the 4th Geneva Convention.
A Solidarity Walk initiated from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was led by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister of Defence and Qamar Zaman Kaira, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan joined the walk, and also addressed the participants.
The President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister sent out messages of solidarity.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed a comprehensive letter to the President of the UN Security Council, President of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a separate letter to the OIC Secretary-General regarding the alarming situation in IIOJK. It was pointed out that, in accordance with UNSC resolution 122 (1957), all the unilateral actions taken by India on and after 5 August 2019 were not only illegal but, ipso facto, null and void.
Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed Heads of resident OIC, P-5 and EU Missions to apprise them of the latest situation with particular reference to human rights violations, and the legal and peace and security dimensions of the situation in IIOJK.
Pakistan’s Embassies and Consulates across the world organized a series of activities including outreach to host governments, media and civil society, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and other events to mark Youm-e-Istehsal and express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people. Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora also organized and participated in events related to the Day.
These manifestations projected loud and clear that the people of Pakistan will always stand with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and continue to extend all possible support to them for the realization of their right to self-determination, guaranteed to them by the relevant UNSC resolutions.
It is harrowing to note that more than 650 Kashmiris have been martyred since 5 August 2019, including over 130 in the year 2022 alone. In the past week, Indian occupation forces have martyred six more innocent Kashmiris in Kulgam, Pulwama and Rajouri areas of IIOJK.
Extra-judicial killings, harassment and humiliation, arbitrary arrests, and house raids by the Indian occupation forces have become the ‘new normal’ in the IIOJK.
Over the past seven decades, three generations of Kashmiris have waited for the world community and the United Nations to honor their solemn commitment made to the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. The international community must demand an end to India’s gross and widespread human rights violations in IIOJK; reversal of its unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019; repeal of draconian laws; and implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
You would have followed during the week. The Prime Minister had a telephonic conversation with President of the UAE His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussed strengthening of multi-faceted relationship between the two countries. You would have also followed this morning, the signing of the Goods in Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Turkiye.
Let me move to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent visit to Cambodia for the 29th Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) from 4-6 August. During the visit, the Foreign Minister addressed the ARF Ministerial Meeting, called on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and met Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonnon. He congratulated them on successful hosting of the ASEAN and related meetings.
The Foreign Minister also held meetings with Foreign Ministers of various member and partner countries of ARF on the sidelines including Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
During his interactions, the FM underlined the critical importance of ARF for regional security and expressed Pakistan’s continued commitment to ARF. He also expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance its engagement with ASEAN particularly through attainment of Full Dialogue Partnership.
Pakistan has also felicitated ASEAN Member States on the 55th ASEAN Day on 8th August.
Thursday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warmly welcomed Robert Dussey, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Togo, who is undertaking his first bilateral visit to Pakistan. Foreign Minister Zardari stated that Pakistan attached high importance to its longstanding and cordial ties with Togo, which were based on mutual trust and common interests. He highlighted Pakistan’s desire to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation with Togo as part of the Government’s vision of enhancing engagement with the African Continent.
Later the same day, Director of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO-RATS), Mr. Ruslan Mirzaev, called on Foreign Minister Bilawal. The Foreign Minister warmly welcomed the Director and his delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the goals and purposes of the SCO Charter and the ‘Shanghai Spirit.’
Thursday, MoS Hina Rabbani Khar chaired a meeting of the National FATF Coordination Committee, in which briefings were given on measures to improve effectiveness of Pakistan’s Anti Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. The MOS expressed satisfaction on the trajectory of reforms and appreciated the collective, system wide efforts in bringing Pakistan’s AML/CFT regime at par with the international standards, and which remains a top priority of the Government.
