A resolution calling on India to implement the UN Security Council resolutions to enable Kashmiris to exercise their democratic right to choose their own destiny through a fair and impartial plebiscite conducted under UN auspices was unanimously passed by Pakistan’s parliament on Tuesday.
According to Radio Pakistan, Amir Muqam, the minister for Kashmir affairs, introduced the resolution reaffirming Pakistan’s “unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support” for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
However, this is not the first time that a resolution supporting the Kashmiris has been passed. However, it is still unclear why Tuesday’s resolution was made.
The resolution praised the courageous Kashmiris and their sacrifices, urged India to enhance the state of human rights in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and called for the release of detainedleaders of Kashmir, and repeal all laws that oppress them,” it stated.
On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, removing the state of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and splitting it into two Union Territories, further deteriorating the already strained bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.
Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and shall forever” remain an essential part of India, the country has repeatedly assured Pakistan.
Pakistan’s resolution emphasized that “no political process in the occupied territory could substitute the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination,” while strongly denouncing the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and the “illegal” actions taken on August 5, 2019.
Additionally, it vehemently denounced provocative remarks made by Indian military and civilian leaders about Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The resolution emphasizedthat it “is vital for ensuring peace and stability in South Asia” to settle the Jammu and Kashmir conflict in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the desires of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan’s people stand firmly by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters, Amir Muqam, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, said in his remarks, adding that the UN must play its part in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
