Latest news with #IllegallyIndian-Occupied
Business Recorder
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Youm-e-Istehsal: Pakistan reaffirms support to Kashmiris' struggle
On August 5, 2025, as Pakistan solemnly observes Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, the nation once again renews its commitment to the people of Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). This day is not merely a symbolic gesture—it is a moral imperative, a reaffirmation of solidarity with a people whose voices have been systematically silenced under the weight of state-sponsored repression. Youm-e-Istehsal, commemorated annually, marks the sixth anniversary of India's unilateral revocation of Article 370, which stripped occupied Jammu and Kashmir of its constitutionally enshrined autonomy. This act, driven by a Hindutva-inspired ideology under the BJP-led government, was not only legally questionable but morally indefensible. It sought to dissolve the unique political identity of Kashmir, an identity forged through history, sacrifice, and unrelenting struggle. Kashmir is not simply a territorial dispute or a residual wound of partition; it is a living testament to human endurance in the face of structural violence. For over seven decades, the people of Kashmir have endured military occupation, demographic engineering, and systemic disenfranchisement—yet their resolve remains unshaken. Kashmir's story is not just one of suffering; it is one of resistance, of refusing to be erased. The roots of the Kashmir conflict lie in the turbulent aftermath of the 1947 partition of British India. Princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan, based on geographic contiguity and the will of the people. Given its Muslim-majority population and cultural affinity with Pakistan, Jammu, and Kashmir's natural trajectory seemed clear. However, Maharaja Hari Singh's controversial accession to India—under opaque and contested circumstances—ignited a conflict that continues to haunt South Asia. In response, the United Nations adopted a series of resolutions in 1948 and 1949, explicitly calling for a free and impartial plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to determine their political future. That promise remains unfulfilled, buried beneath layers of realpolitik, diplomatic inertia, and global indifference. Meanwhile, India's abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, marked a seismic shift in the political landscape of Kashmir. The move dissolved Jammu & Kashmir State's nominal autonomy, replacing it with direct federal control and unleashing a cascade of repressive measures: communications blackouts, mass arrests, media censorship, and an intensified military presence. This was not an administrative reform—it was an ideological project aimed at redefining Kashmir's Muslim identity and forcibly integrating it into the Hindu nationalist vision of India. Human rights watchdogs—Amnesty Inter-national, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations—have documented widespread abuses: arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the brutal use of pellet guns, which have maimed and blinded hundreds, including women and children. The psychological scars inflicted by this campaign of terror will echo across generations. Yet, despite relentless oppression, the spirit of Kashmir endures. Resistance takes many forms: from protests and civil disobedience to poetry, music, and digital storytelling. Artists like Agha Shahid Ali and rappers like MC Kash have weaponized words against bullets, preserving the Kashmiri narrative and keeping hope alive through the power of cultural expression. In a world that often forgets, these voices are a moral compass, reminding us of Kashmir's unyielding quest for justice. Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri cause transcends political expediency; it is rooted in fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and the right of all peoples to determine their destiny. At the United Nations General Assembly, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and other international forums, Pakistan has consistently raised its voice against India's transgressions and in defence of the Kashmiri people. The observance of August 5, 2025, is not merely ceremonial—it is a manifestation of Pakistan's enduring solidarity. Through policy statements, awareness campaigns, and nationwide rallies, the Pakistani state—particularly the Punjab government—has worked to keep the Kashmir issue at the forefront of national consciousness. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has played a particularly commendable role in highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people. Her government's efforts—ranging from public advocacy to the provision of scholarships to Kashmiri students—reflect a serious and sustained commitment to turning words into action. By institutionalizing support, Punjab has set an example for how provincial governments can meaningfully contribute to national causes. Such initiatives not only uplift the morale of the oppressed but also serve to remind the international community that Kashmir is not forgotten. The political, moral, and humanitarian support extended by Pakistan ensures that Kashmir remains a living issue in global discourse. Despite the gravity of the situation, the international community's response has often been tepid, if not complicit. While geopolitical crises elsewhere—such as in Ukraine—elicit swift and concerted action, Kashmir is met with equivocation and diplomatic inertia. This selective moral outrage undermines the very principles upon which the international order claims to stand. The United Nations, in particular, must reckon with its failure to enforce its resolutions. The legitimacy of international law cannot be selectively applied. The right to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter, is not a privilege to be granted—it is a fundamental human right. Likewise, the global media has a responsibility to pierce through the fog of propaganda and present the unvarnished truth. Human rights organizations must go beyond issuing statements—they must push for tangible action, diplomatic accountability, and sustained global attention. Youm-e-Istehsal is more than a day of remembrance—it is a call to conscience. It urges us to recognize that the Kashmiri struggle is not about land or borders, but about freedom, dignity, and the inalienable right to live without fear. Kashmir's yearning for freedom is not a separatist impulse—it is a plea for justice that the world must hear. As we mark August 5, 2025, let us reaffirm our belief that the shadows of occupation will not last forever. One day, the silence of the valleys will be broken not by gunfire, but by the call to prayer echoing in a land free from tyranny. The dawn of freedom will come—because history, no matter how long it is delayed, bends ultimately toward justice.
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India should demonstrate maturity: Pakistan rejects PM Modi's ‘provocative allegations'
Pakistan rejected on Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks 'baseless, provocative, and irresponsible allegations', saying that rather than resorting to fictitious narratives and warmongering for electoral mileage, 'India should demonstrate maturity by resolving outstanding disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy'. The rejection comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that Pakistan will not get water from rivers over which India has rights. 'Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for every terrorist attack … Pakistan's army will pay it, Pakistan's economy will pay it,' Modi said at a public event in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, which borders Pakistan. In a statement on X, Foreign Office (FO) said that Modi's remarks, replete with distortions, misrepresentations, and inflammatory rhetoric, are clearly aimed at stoking regional tensions for narrow political gains. 'Such statements not only reflect a deliberate attempt to mislead the public but also violate the norms of responsible statecraft,' FO said. 'Resorting to threats and boasting about military action against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law. This dangerous approach undermines regional peace and stability.' India and Pakistan have shared a troubled relationship since they were carved out of British India in 1947, and have fought three wars, two of them over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. The arch rivals have taken several measures against each other since the April attack in Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including suspension of trade, closure of land borders, and suspension of most visas. Meanwhile, in its press release today, FO said that Pakistan remains a consistent and proactive partner in the global fight against terrorism and any insinuation seeking to associate Pakistan with acts of terrorism is factually incorrect and patently misleading. The FO urged the Indian leadership to exercise responsibility and restraint, saying that escalatory statements and belligerent posturing serve no purpose other than exacerbating tensions. DG ISPR outlines military response to Indian aggression 'Pakistan remains firmly committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and constructive engagement. 'However, our desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness. The people of Pakistan and its armed forces are fully prepared and capable of defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.'
Business Recorder
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
India revokes Celebi security clearance over Turkiye support for Pakistan
NEW DELHI: India revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, a unit of Turkiye Celebi, with immediate effect, citing national security concerns, the country's civil aviation ministry said in an order on Thursday. New Delhi's decision came a day after travel booking firms said Indians were cancelling holidays in popular resorts in Turkiye and Azerbaijan following the countries' support for Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. Celebi Aviation Holding, the parent of Celebi Airport Services, whose website says it operates ground handling services at nine airports in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, was not immediately available for a comment. India blocks Turkish broadcaster TRT World's X account The operator of Delhi International Airport said it was working with existing airport ground handling service providers AISATS and Brid Group after it cut ties with Celebi. Murlidhar Mohol, India's deputy civil aviation minister, said the government had received requests from across India to ban Celebi Airport Services without providing details. 'Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests and Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked security clearance of the said company,' Mohol said on X. The Shiv Sena party, a key ally in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, had held protests against Celebi in Mumbai this week, demanding the city's airport sever ties with the Turkiye company. Deadly fighting broke out between India and Pakistan last week after New Delhi struck what it said were 'terrorist camps' in Pakistan in retaliation for an attack in Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir last month that killed 26 men, which it said was backed by Islamabad. Pakistan denied involvement, but both countries sent missiles and drones targeting each other's military installations in the days that followed. The nuclear-armed neighbours reached a truce on Saturday that has largely held. Turkiye and Azerbaijan, popular budget holiday destinations for Indians, issued statements backing Islamabad after India's strikes. A top Indian university, the Jawaharlal Nehru University in the capital New Delhi, said it has suspended an academic agreement with a Turkiye university. 'Due to national security considerations, the MoU (memorandum of understanding) between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye stands suspended until further notice,' JNU said on X. Separately, Adani Airport Holdings said it was terminating its arrangement with Chinese lounge access provider DragonPass, announced last week, without specifying the reason.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Gunmen kill dozens of civilians in IIOJK
PAHALGAM: At least 26 people were killed Tuesday in Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) when gunmen opened fire on tourists, security sources told AFP, in the insurgency-hit region's deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. Prime Minister Narendra Modi decried the 'heinous act' in the summer retreat of Pahalgam, pledging the attackers 'will be brought to justice'. The killings come a day after Modi met in New Delhi with US Vice President JD Vance, who is on a four-day tour of India with his wife and children. At least 20 feared killed in attack on tourists in Indian held Kashmir, security sources say A tour guide in Pahalgam told AFP he reached the scene after hearing gunfire and had transported some of the wounded away on horseback. Waheed, who gave only one name, said he saw several men lying dead on the ground, while a witness who requested anonymity said the attackers were 'clearly sparing women'. Pahalgam lies 90 kilometres (55 miles) by road from the key city of occupied Srinagar. One security source said that foreign tourists were among those shot, but there was no official confirmation. Other security sources and some Indian media reported late Tuesday that 26 people had died, an increase from the 24 that a senior local police officer had earlier told AFP. No group has claimed responsibility. Vance offered condolences in a social media post, while President Donald Trump said 'the United States stands strong with India against Terrorism.' Modi, who is in Saudi Arabia, has cut short his trip to return home, foreign ministry officials said. 'The militants, I can't say how many, came out of the forest near an open small meadow and started firing,' said the witness who asked not to be identified. 'They were clearly sparing women and kept shooting at men, sometimes single shot and sometimes many bullets, it was like a storm,' said the man, who cares for horses that are popular with tourists in the area. The witness said dozens of people fled as the gunmen opened fire. 'They all started running around in panic', he added. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that 'the attack is much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years', with the death toll still uncertain. 'This attack on our visitors is an abomination,' he added in a statement. 'The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.' Medics at a hospital in Anantnag said they had received some of the wounded, including with gunshot wounds.
