ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday once again while warning the international community reiterated that India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers and it would have dire consequences.
He was talking to the US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Maggi Hassan who called on him at his office on Monday.
The Senators are visiting Pakistan to have first-hand information and an in-depth assessment of the evolving situation following India’s illegal and unilateral actions in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK) in violation of the UN resolutions and international law. The visit also provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening Pakistan-U.S. ties, and the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
The Prime Minister appreciated the continued active interest of the U.S. Congress, including of the two Senators, in the volatile situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister said that the ongoing lockdown in the occupied Kashmir for over two months, refusal of Indian authorities to lift the curfew, and acute shortage of basic necessities including medicine and food to the people incarcerated in the largest prison on earth were
grave violations of the fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law.
It was critical for the international community to raise its voice for respect of the rights and freedoms of the people in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister added that the international community must also take cognizance of the grave consequences of Indian actions for regional peace and stability and should act immediately.
The Prime Minister said that the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. was based on mutual trust and partnership for peace. The Senators affirmed that they would work for a broad-based and long-term relationship with enhanced trade ties between the two countries.
Discussing the regional situation, the Prime Minister noted that both Pakistan and the U.S. had a shared interest in advancing peace and stability in Afghanistan. Reiterating Pakistan’s continued commitment to facilitation of a political solution in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of earliest resumption of the U.S.-Taliban peace talks.
Senator Christopher Van Hollen, who visited Miran Shah on 5 October, appreciated the development work in the area. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers and civilians as part of its successful drive against the menace of terrorism.
The two Senators, who visited Azad Jammu and Kashmir on 6 October 2019 and held meetings with President and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, said that they shared concerns on the current humanitarian situation caused by Indian actions. They expressed their resolve to continue to remain engaged on the issue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan told the US Senators that talks with India are out of question in the ongoing situation in occupied Kashmir since India revoked its special status in August.
The PM said that Indian PM Narendra Modi has distorted the face of India in front of the whole world, adding that he is not certain himself of the current face of India.
PM Imran Khan said that he was the biggest supporter of Pakistan-India talks, however, it is impossible until the situation is changed for the better in occupied Kashmir.
The premier also thanked the US senators for cooperation on the issue of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that preservation of green areas should be a priority keeping in view shrinking green lands and rapidly growing concrete structures in major cities.
The comments appeared when Prime Minister Imran Khan approved, in principle, re-structuring plan of Capital Development Authority (CDA) and directed that the plan be presented before the next Cabinet meeting for consideration and final approval.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the Commission towards reviewing the Master Plan of the capital city for catering to present as well future requirements of the federal capital and addressing some of the critical issues including urban regeneration, conformity and new building code, Katchi Abadis, solid waste management plan for rural areas, ensuring water availability and new infrastructure to cater to the needs of growing population.
The Plan aims at restructuring of the development authority to make it efficient and improve its service delivery. It was explained that the object of restructuring is to introduce effective corporate governance model in the organization.- NNI