AUGUST 7, 2019
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – The scrapping of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories has finally had its impact on India-Pakistan relations.
Pakistan has now announced that it will be downgrading diplomatic relations with India. It has also said it will be suspending bilateral trade with India.
Amid uproar over India’s Kashmir provisions, Pakistan has also called for the review of bilateral arrangements.
In a big development, Pakistan has announced that it will call its ambassador back from India and expel the Indian ambassador to Pakistan. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood confirmed the news to local media.
The decision came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting of the National Security Committee in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Releasing a press statement on the meeting, the committee announced that it will:
- Downgrade diplomatic relations with India.
- Suspend bilateral trade with India.
- Review bilateral arrangements.
- Take the matter to the United Nations, including the Security Council.
- Announced that the Pakistani Independence Day (August 14) will be “observed in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their right of self-determination”. It also announced that August 15 will be observed as Black Day.
The NSC meet was attended by Pakistan’s foreign minister, defence minister, interior minister (the equivalent of home minister), education minister, human rights minister, law minister, ISI and army personnel among others.
Imran Khan alleged that India is a racist regime and violates human rights. Imran Khan added that all diplomatic channels will be activated to point out this out.
He has also directed the Pakistan Army to “continue vigilance” on borders.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had on Tuesday set up a high-level committee to prepare a plan of action on India’s decision to revoke Article 370 and bifurcate the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.
The Indian government on Monday revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is its integral part and it includes Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Courtesy/Source: India Today
