Referendum only solution to Kashmir dispute: PA speaker

LAHORE:“India’s malicious conspiracies against Pakistan are a persistent threat to our national security. Our military leadership has consistently demonstrated bravery in countering Indian threats. Pakistan’s military has successfully thwarted enemy’s numerous conspiracies, safeguarding our national interests and sovereignty”.

These sentiments were expressed at a seminar, “India’s shady behaviour and the positive role of our military leadership”, organised jointly by Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers), Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society and Prosperous of Pakistan. The seminar was chaired by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Muhammad Khan said India’s real issue is with Pakistan’s existence. “Those like me, who always supported negotiations, are no longer supporters of talks, as our basic rights are not being recognised”, he said.

Talking about Kashmir issue, Assembly Speaker said it’s not just a border dispute, but a matter of fundamental right to self-determination. A referendum is the only solution to Kashmir dispute, he stressed. He said India has imposed constitutional amendments, inflicting immense suffering on the Kashmiris, making their lives miserable. “Global powers are silent spectators to state-sponsored terrorism, extrajudicial killings and Indian atrocities”, he regretted, questioning, “Can India hide every crime under the guise of economy and trade?”

He said Pakistan’s right to water is internationally recognised. “Any attempt by India to block or divert the flow of water would be considered an act of war”, he warned. Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Afzal said India’s hostility towards Pakistan dates back to 1947. “India seeks to portray Pakistan as an irresponsible state to strengthen its own position. They made several attempts to weaken our country”, he said.

Citing the 2019 incident where India tried to test Pakistan’s defence system, Lt Gen (retd) Afzal said Pakistan armed forces always countered enemy’s tactics effectively. Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities, praised the sacrifices of army personnel to safe Pakistan from India’s conspiracies. He said Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings put emphasis on bravery, justice and protection of the weak. Hina Pervaiz Butt condemned India’s false flag operations, water aggression and atrocities in occupied Kashmir. She expressed confidence in leadership of Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff, saying Pakistan would respond decisively if India attempted to block Pakistan’s water or impose war. Bishop Nadeem Kamran thanked the military leadership for protecting Pakistan from India’s conspiracies, citing Jesus Christ’s teachings of love and peace. Malik Aziz Ahmad Awan highlighted crucial role of military leadership in ensuring national security and unity. Shazina Fazil appreciated the strategic thinking of military leadership. Dr Saira Afzal said India’s conspiracies aim to destabilise Pakistan’s economy, politics and security. “The military leadership has successfully countered these threats”, she reminded.

Raees Ansari praised the military’s resolve and vigilance in detecting and countering Indian threats. Major Khanzada Muhammad Ali appreciated General Asim Munir’s leadership in ensuring national security. Kiran Butt said the military leadership had consistently thwarted Indian conspiracies against the stability of our country. Humaira Khan highlighted importance of national unity and support for the army in the face of external threats.Dr Farzeen spoke about Indian attempts to destabilise Pakistan through border activities, supporting terrorism and doing propaganda against our country.

Wasif Nagi said Indian conspiracies pose threats to our country. He hoped the military leadership would effectively counter them.