August 8, 2019
Following the government of India’s move to end the special status granted to
Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories, Pakistan has
expelled the Indian envoy in Islamabad. It has also announced a five-point
plan which includes a downgrade of its ties with India and suspension of
bilateral trade.
India has an envoy in Islamabad, High Commissioner Ajay
Bisaria while his Pakistani counterpart,
Moin-ul-Haq is yet to take charge in New Delhi.
Pakistan has often sought international intervention on Kashmir and it once
again plans to appeal to the United Nations Security Council
against the government’s Kashmir decisions. Pakistan Prime Minister
Imran Khan had recently thanked United States President
Donald Trump for offering to mediate on Kashmir. India had rejected
that immediately.
Meanwhile the United Nations has said it is concerned that
the Indian government’s move on Kashmir will “exacerbate the human rights
situation in the region. “The fact that hardly any information at all is
currently coming out is of great concern in itself,” said a UN spokesperson.
After a tweet following Khan’s meeting with the National Security
Committee, the Pakistan government listed the steps in its plan.
“1-Downgrading of diplomatic relations with India. 2-Suspension of
bilateral trade with India. 3-Review of bilateral arrangements. 4-Matter to
be taken to UN, including the Security Council. 5-14th of August to be
observed in solidarity with brave Kashmiris. – Official tweet by
Pakistan government
Soon after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the
announcement in Parliament that all of Jammu and Kashmir, including
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, was an integral part of India, Imran Khan spoke of
retaliation.”They (India) will do something in PoK (Pakistan Occupied
Kashmir)… we will retaliate… Will fight till last drop of blood”.
Pakistan’s ally China has also opposed India’s move to end special status for
Kashmir through a presidential order. It warned India that it should avoid
changing the status and expressed opposition to naming Ladakh a separate
Union Territory.
India has dismissed China’s words, calling this an “internal matter” and
adding, “India does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries
and similarly expects other countries to do likewise”.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/pakistan-expels-indian-envoy-suspends-trade
