Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein: Pakistan Army chief

“We salute the great sacrifices of the people of Kashmir for their right to self-determination. The solution to the problem lies in the implementation of the resolutions of United Nations in this regard. Pakistan will continue to support Kashmir on the diplomatic and ethical fronts,” said the Chief of Army staff, addressing a ceremony held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the country’s Defence Day. 

The Army Chief asserted that “the defence of Pakistan is invincible”. On the challenges the country is facing, he said, “I want to make it clear that we are fully aware of all covert and overt intrigues and intentions of our enemies. Be the challenge military or diplomatic; on the borders or within the cities, we know our friends and foes all too well.” On Pakistan’s ties with China, the Army Chief said the greatest example of a relationship based on mutual respect and principle of equality in the region is the Pak-China friendship. “China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the paramount evidence of this relationship. I would like to assure that we shall not allow any external force to obstruct it and any such attempt will be dealt with iron hands,” he said.

As part of Pakistan’s efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s special envoy has briefed the Human Rights Council President and the ICRC President in Geneva on alleged human rights violations in Kashmir. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly who is currently visiting Geneva as the Prime Minister’s special envoy, briefed the “Geneva international community on the grave human rights situation” in Kashmir on Tuesday, a Pakistan Foreign Office statement said. 

Leghari met the President of the Human Rights Council (HRC), President ICRC and other ambassadors to brief them about the “atrocities” being committed by the Indian forces “on the defenceless people” of Kashmir, the statement said. “The alarming impact of pellet gun injuries leading to ‘dead eyes’ phenomenon on the peaceful protesters was also highlighted. He emphasised the importance of implementation of UN Security Council’s resolutions that recognise Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territory and call for a free and fair plebiscite for the realisation of the right to self-determination of Kashmiris,” it said.