Indian measures in Occupied Kashmir have put regional peace in danger: President Arif Alvi

The President said India's aggressive actions threaten peace in South Asia.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday said whole Pakistani nation stands with their Kashmiri brethren and will continue its diplomatic, moral and political support until the realization of their goal of independence from India.

Addressing the joint session of the Parliament on successful completition of first year in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that the people and government of Pakistan strongly condemn Indian move to end special status of the occupied by abrogating Article 370 of the constitution, adding that Pakistan will always stand by the Kashmiri brothers.

The President said that India continues to violate ceasefire agreement, adding that India s aggressive actions threaten peace in South Asia.

Dr Alvi said that the India cannot suppress the voice of the Kashmiri Muslims by using bad tactics, adding that the genocide of Kashmiris will not be tolerated. Kashmir dispute must be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions.

He said that the Indian illegal moves in occupied Kashmir are threatening global peace, adding that the United Nations should send observers to the occupied valley to ascertain the seriousness of the situation.

The president further thanked the friendly countries for supporting the Kashmir issue.

Dr Alvi said it is a great diplomatic victory of Pakistan that this issue was discussed at the UN Security Council despite all Indian attempts to stop it. It reflects that Occupied Kashmir is not India s internal matter but an unresolved issue between the two countries.

The President warned that this issue could endanger the regional peace and security, if not resolved according to the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people. He said all international forums, including the OIC strongly condemned the illegal steps of India in Occupied Kashmir and demanded that all restrictions are lifted and the issue resolved according to the UNSC resolutions. He said the UN Human Rights Council gave a unanimous statement that the issue be resolved according to UN resolutions.

Dr Arif Alvi appreciated the successful visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the US which led the US President Donald Trump to offer his mediation on Kashmir. He said Occupied Kashmir has become the most militarized zone in the world. India despite its suppressive tactics cannot gag the voice of freedom of Kashmiris. The RSS followers and Indian government are subjecting the Kashmiris to same treatment as the Nazis did in 1930s.

He said 180,000 additional troops deployment is a source of concern. Illegal detainment, rape and use of pellet gun as weapons against the innocent people are trampling the human rights of Kashmiris. He said incumbent Indian government is trying to change the demographic composition of Occupied Kashmir and wants to repeat the genocidal episode of massacre of Muslims in Bosnia.

Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan has been acting with restraint and patience. However, this should not be misconstrued as our weakness.

He said India used Pulwama incident to put blame on Pakistan without any proof. Indian subsequent aggression in February this year was responded befittingly by Pakistan, downing two Indian war planes. A captured Indian pilot was returned as a goodwill gesture.

The President called upon the world that India has been overpowered by RSS  fanatic mentality. He said the secular face of India is fast changing. This has once again emphasized the vindication of the vision of father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam and the two nation theory. He said the purpose of establishment of Pakistan was to provide freedom according to golden principles of Islamic welfare state. This was the same concept before the eyes of Quaid-e-Azam.

The President said mosque has a special place in an Islamic society. He said mosque and manbir is the best place for social reformation. He urged the Ulema to come forward and play their role in ridding the society of all evils.

On agriculture, the President said the government has launched agriculture emergency program to enhance the production of vital crops. The program also includes better water preservation, livestock farming, chicken farming and easy access to markets.

Dr Arif Alvi said protection of basic human rights is responsibility of any state. He said access to justice, provision of health, education and employment are important aspects of this responsibility. He said a number of laws have been introduced to facilitate people.

The President appreciated the role of judiciary for swiftly disposing of cases and establishment of modern courts.

Dr Arif Alvi said the Ehsaas program launched by the government will be the largest in social protection. This program will help various segments of society. He urged the government to ensure transparency in these programs. He said women are given equal partnership in Ehsaas program to increase women empowerment.

The President said a society cannot progress unless its citizens are healthy, both physically and mentally. He said Sehat Sahulat Program has been launched which will benefit 15 million people. He appreciated the establishment of shelter homes launched by government and urged to expand it nationwide.

Referring to Education, the President said government has taken all stakeholders on board in the preparation of National Education Policy Framework which is a positive step. He said NAVTTC and other institutions are being made functional so that standard of technical and professional training can be improved.

The President said Pakistan is the second largest Asian country in terms of youth population. More than sixty percent of our population consist of youth. He said various projects are underway under Prime Minister s Successful Youth Program. The President expressed satisfaction that Pakistan ranks among top ten fastest growing software freelance markets, according to Forbes.

Dr Arif Alvi said climate change is one of the most complicated global issues. The rise in global temperature and as a result the melting of glaciers is adversely affecting our country. He said to grapple with its consequences, the government has initiated Clean and Green Pakistan Program, under which 10 billion trees will be planted in five years.

Referring to Pak-China relations, he said these are based on ideal friendship and mutual trust. The President said China Pakistan Economic Corridor is beneficial for both the countries besides having capacity to bring prosperity in entire region.

On Pak-US relations, the President said these ties are of historical and pivotal importance. During the last few years, these relations witnessed a downturn due to trust deficit. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan s recent successful visit to Washington reversed this trend and started a new phase in relationship.

He said relations with Saudi Arabia are of paramount importance. He said people of Pakistan have strong feelings of devotion and respect for the custodian of the Holy Mosques.

The President said relations with Iran are also witnessing an upward trajectory. He said Prime Minister s visit to Iran also reflects that Pakistan desires to further enhance bilateral ties with our brotherly neighbor.

The President said Pakistan wants closer economic, trade and investment ties with Europe and European Union. He termed recent agreement on Strategic Engagement Plan a welcome development.

Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan is playing a vibrant and proactive role in UN and other international and regional organizations like ECO and SCO. He said our brave soldiers will continue to play their positive role in UN peacekeeping missions, as always.

He regretted that corruption remained rampant during the previous eras and unjust decisions were taken. Ignoring accountability, he said, the rulers irreparably harmed the national economy. To deal with these challenges, the government had to take hard decisions in Budget 2019-20. Tough actions like tax reforms are important for the economic betterment. The President said FBR has introduced reforms to bring more people into tax net. The President wished that FBR is further reformed and the tax filing made easier for the ease of tax filers.