Pakistan Thursday urged the United Nations to investigate use of chemical weapons by India in Held Kashmir to crush the freedom movement.
Speaking at a weekly news briefing here, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan wanted a thorough and independent investigation into use of chemical weapons by Indian forces in Kashmir.
“We have seen the (Indian) ministry of external affairs’ reaction. Our comments were made after serious concerns were expressed by Kashmiri circles. It is a fact that Kashmir’s Human Rights Commission has asked the local administration to investigate the matter in view of the reports of use of chemicals in the ammunition and mutilation of bodies in Bandipora. India is committing heinous crimes in Kashmir,” he said.
Faisal said reports of use of weapons with chemical agents by Indian security forces in Kashmir have appeared before as well. “We had earlier also called for thorough and independent investigations into such reports. We reiterate our call. The UN Commission of Inquiry as envisaged in the OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) report may also look into it provided India is not shy of permitting their visit,” he added.
The spokesperson said there was a litany of unspeakable crimes being perpetrated by the Indian security forces in held Kashmir, as documented by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in his latest report.
“We hope that India would act responsibly and not use chemicals in the ammunition against those who are engaged in a legitimate struggle for self-determination,” Faisal said.
To a question, the spokesperson said that the US and allied forces should not withdraw from Afghanistan unless situation stabilises in the country. He said the US forces were staying in the war torn country as per the mandate of the UN which is renewed every year. He said these forces were staying there for peace, stability and development of the country.
Faisal said there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict. He said negotiated settlement was the most viable option. “We are pleased that other important actors are also arriving at the same conclusion and exploring the possibilities of peace and reconciliation. Pakistan welcomes efforts for negotiated settlement and will extend all possible support in this regard. We are not afraid of anyone (Taliban),” he added.
Asked about Indian-Afghan cooperation for developing water reservoirs on Kabul river, the spokesperson said that Pakistan and Afghanistan remained engaged for optimal utilization of the available water resources.
“We believe that water resources must be used in a manner that benefit both the countries and is in line with international laws, norms and the best practices for water sharing,” he said.
Faisal said Pakistan was fencing its border with Afghanistan to check movement of undesirable elements. He said Afghanistan also needed to take similar steps.
The spokesperson said that Chaman crossing point was open between the two countries as “we are committed to facilitate trade and people to people to contacts with the neighboring country.”
About the US’s first set of sanctions against Iran, the spokesperson said that “we desire that all the parties uphold their commitments with regards to the Iranian nuclear deal. The course of diplomacy and dialogue should be taken to address the issues.”
To a question, he said Pakistan had been reiterating that it was in favor of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and all the countries should abide by the said agreement, which was the only way forward.
He said Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif telephoned Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and discussed the situation arising out of the abduction of Iranian guards near Pak-Iran border.
He said Qureshi expressed his concerns on the incident and briefed the Iranian counterpart about the action taken by Pakistan to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Iranian guards. He said Pakistan had also taken up the matter with Iranian and Iraqi authorities to facilitate the visits of Zaireen (devotees) to the holy places.
Faisal said Pakistan International Airlines was facing problems in regularizing its accounts in New Delhi. He said the national flag carrier was pursuing its case in the Indian courts. He said the Indian side should shun such an anti Pakistan approach as it will not be helpful.
To a question about current difficult economic situation, the spokesperson stated with conviction that there was no need to worry and the situation will improve in a matter of one or two months.
To a question, Faisal said Pakistan was the upper riparian as well as lower riparian when it comes to Kunar and Kabul rivers. He said although at the moment, “we do not have any legal instrument that regulates sharing of waters between our two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain engaged for optimal utilisation of the available water resources. We believe that water resources must be used in a manner that benefits both the countries and in line with the international law, norms and best practices for water sharing between the upper and lower riparian.”
He said Foreign Minister of Javad Zarif called Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to discuss the situation arising following abduction of Iranian guards near the Pakistan-Iran border point of Mirjaveh, on October 16. The Foreign Minister expressed his serious concern on the incident, he added.
Commenting on China’s plan to extend China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, he said: “CPEC is originally between Pakistan and China. However, both countries, after mutual agreement have been discussing investments to and from various countries, in projects related to CPEC, especially the SEZs (Special Economic Zones).”
Asked about India’s election to the Human Rights Council despite the atrocities in Kashmir, Faisal said: “We have been highlighting and will continue to highlight the Indian atrocities in Kashmir and the human rights violations against minorities in India.”
About current difficult economic situation, the spokesperson said there was no need to worry and the situation will improve in a matter of one or two months.
