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Thursday March 28, 2024

Parliament unanimous in condemning Indian aggression

The resolution noted that timely and effective action of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) repulsed the Indian attack without loss of life and property.

By Asim Yasin & Muhammad Anis
March 02, 2019

ISLAMABAD: The joint sitting of the parliament in demonstration of unity against any external aggression, passed a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the blatant Indian aggression of 26th and 27th of February against Pakistan and the parliamentary leaders said they are standing shoulder to shoulder to the armed forces of Pakistan.

The resolution moved by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi completely rejected India’s self-serving and fictitious claims of having destroyed alleged terrorist facility and causing heavy casualties. The resolution pointed out that facts on the grounds clearly contradict India’s false claim and so have been testified by independent observers.

The resolution noted that timely and effective action of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) repulsed the Indian attack without loss of life and property. It said that India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan in the wake of Pulwama attack were politically motivated and points out that the Indian government’s subsequent action has been guided by its electoral calculations.

The resolution recalled the statements of heads of all political parties and the prime minister’s statement of 19th of February offering Pakistan’s assistance to India in investigation of Pulwama attack and to take action on actionable intelligence or evidence. It emphasised India’s irresponsible and reckless actions of 26th and 27th of February seriously imperilled peace and stability in South Asia.

The resolution also recalled statements of the national security committee meeting authorising the armed forces of Pakistan to respond to any act of aggression decisively and comprehensively. It further recalled the statement issued after the special session of national security committee on February 26 which made it clear that India had committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing.

The resolution affirmed that the entire Pakistani nation stands united in support of armed forces of Pakistan. The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to respond effectively and in a befitting manner to Indian aggression illustrated by actions taken on February 27 which demonstrated Pakistan’s right, will and capability for self-deference.

The resolution called upon the international community and the United Nations Security Council to condemn in an unambiguous manner the Indian government’s highly irresponsible actions escalating the tension to a new level and seriously endangering peace and stability in the region.

The Parliament welcomed strong condemnation by the OIC contract group on Jammu and Kashmir over recent wave of oppression and atrocities by the Indian occupation forces in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK). The resolution also welcomed OIC’s condemnation over the violation of the Line of Control (LoC) by the Indian military aircraft.

The resolution noted with deep disapprobation that after India has attacked Pakistan, a founding member of the OIC, India, an aggressor against Pakistan as well as the Kashmiri people, has been invited as a guest of honour at the OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi. It said Pakistan demands that Pakistan should abstain completely under protest from the meeting where the Indian minister had been invited as guest of honour.

Strongly condemning the Indian atrocities in the IHK and arrest of Kashmiri leaders, the resolution rejected the India’s attempt to project the legitimate Kashmiri struggle for self-determination as terrorism. The resolution reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute, pending on the agenda of UNSC due to Indian intransigence. It underscored that a just and peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute is an unfinished agenda of the partition of India and essential for durable peace and stability in the region. The resolution called upon India to put an immediate halt to continued human rights violations in IHK and implement the UNSC resolutions on Kashmir calling for an impartial plebiscite to determine the future of Kashmir.

The resolution mentioned Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call to avoid further escalation and urged the Parliament of India to support the call by this joint session of Pakistani Parliament for de-escalation and dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif taking the floor appreciated announcement of the foreign minister not to attend the OIC meeting while keeping in view sentiments of the Parliament. “It is a good decision but we should also activate our friends to stop India from attending the meeting,” he said.

Former president and the PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said he was in favour of attending the OIC meeting as there was need to engage friends on vital issues instead adopting policy of disengagement. However, he said he was a democratic person and believes in democracy and would saying nothing once the Parliament had reflected its sentiments.

“I have to accept verdict of the Parliament, but still I will say that our foreign minister should go and send foreign secretary even after the meeting,” he said.

The PML-N leader Khawaja Asif noted that it was good omen that elected representatives of the nation were demonstrating a unified stand. “This is our national duty, there should be unity in our ranks whenever, the country faces external aggression,” he said.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said there is national consensus in Pakistan against war but regretted that the same is not visible in India.

He said reports were emanating since last December from India that Modi wants to create tension with Pakistan ahead of the general elections. “Our foreign minister and Foreign Office very timely appraised the P-5 countries about the nefarious intensions of India,” he said.

Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak once again extended an offer of dialogue to India for resolution of all disputes. He said Pakistan is peace loving country and does not want war for the sake of regional peace and prosperity. The minister said Pakistan is not behind the Pulwama incident. He said accusing Pakistan for this is the biggest lie of the century.

Leader of House in Senate Shibli Faraz said the PAF response to the Indian aggression has proved that our armed forces are fully prepared to defend the homeland.

Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in the Senate Sherry Rehman said the main objective of the joint sitting of both the houses of the Parliament was to give a strong message to India that Pakistan stands united against any aggression. She reiterated the PPP’s support for the government amidst the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. She said the PPP has made the decision to stand by the government in this perilous time regardless of political differences. She said India has been the aggressor in this entire episode.

Sabir Qaim Khani of the MQM said if India tried to cast an evil eye on Pakistan, the entire nation will give a befitting response to it. He said we are ready to sacrifice our livers for the security of the country.

Tahir Bizinjo of the National Party said international community should play its role for resolution of longstanding Kashmir dispute. Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of the JUI-F said our armed forces are fully capable to respond to any foreign aggression.

Meanwhile, the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari termed the government’s decision to not attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Abu Dhabi as “unfortunate.” In a tweet, Bilawal said important international forums must be engaged at this critical time.