Latest news with #IllegallyOccupied
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Won't accept India's hegemony: COAS
Listen to article Pakistan will never accept Indian hegemony in the South Asian region, said Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir while reiterating his country's stance on sovereignty amid an uneasy ceasefire between the two hostile neighbours following a recent military confrontation that threatened to spiral into a wider conflict. According to the military's media wing, the field marshal's remarks came during a wide-ranging interaction called 'Hilal Talks' held with vice chancellors, academics, and senior faculty members, where he spoke about the crucial role of educators in shaping the country's future generations. However, his address centered on Pakistan's unwavering stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and growing concerns over India's regional policies. "Pakistan will never accept Indian hegemony," Field Marshal Munir was quoted as saying by the ISPR as he underscored Islamabad's resolve on key disputes, including Kashmir and transboundary water sharing. He listed water security as a national priority. "Water is Pakistan's red line, and we will not allow any compromise on this basic right of 240 million Pakistanis," he added. The statement should be seen in the backdrop of India's recent decision to "hold in abeyance" the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a 1960 World Bank-mediated agreement governing the distribution of the Indus river system's resources. Under the treaty, Pakistan holds rights to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. Islamabad has warned that any attempt by India to divert or obstruct Pakistan's share of water would be treated as "an act of war," with a commitment to employ all elements of national power in response. The army chief's remarks came days after a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, triggered by "reckless and provocative missile strikes" by Indian warplanes on civilian infrastructure inside Pakistani territory. However, India was embarrassed in the escalation as six of its fighter jets, including three multibillion-dollar Rafales, were downed by Pakistan Air Force. In retaliation for the Indian aggression, Pakistan's military launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos (The Formidable Wall), targeting India's air bases, air fields, ammunition depots, and missile stockpiles in areas along the entire Pakistan border. Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was part of Marka-e-Haq (The Battle for Truth), the official name given to the broader conflict with India from April 22 to May 10. "In Marka-e-Haq, Allah Almighty helped Pakistan at every level. "Marka-e-Haq is clear evidence that when a nation unites and stands like an iron wall, no power in the world can bring it down," Field Marshal Munir said in Thursday's interaction with the academia. "Divine help is granted to those nations that stand firmly for the truth and struggle collectively for their cause," he added. The Pakistan-India military confrontation was triggered by a deadly rampage by gunmen on the meadows of Pahalgam, in the IIOJK, in which 26 tourists were killed. Delhi blamed the incident on Pakistan without a shred of evidence and without investigation and launched the reckless military misadventure disregarding Pakistan's offer for help in impartial probe and global calls for resolving the matter diplomatically. India's gambit backfired as it brought the global spotlight back on Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan region which India stripped off its autonomous status in August 2019 through a constitutional amendment. "It is no longer possible to ignore or silence Kashmir on the global stage," Field Marshal Munir said, reiterating that Kashmir remains a core national issue that cannot be sidelined. "India must understand that Pakistan will never abandon Kashmir. There can be no compromise on this," he said, adding that India's long-standing efforts to suppress the Kashmir issue have failed. India – which accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism – is seeking to externalise its internal problem. "Terrorism is India's internal problem, stemming from rising oppression and prejudice against minorities, especially Muslims, while Kashmir is an international issue that cannot be equated with internal matters," the army chief said. Gen Munir also spoke about the situation in Balochistan where Baloch groups, officially dubbed Fitna al Hindustan, have unleashed a wave of terror. The terrorist elements active in Balochistan are proxies acting on behalf of foreign interests, particularly India, he said. "These terrorists are not Baloch. They are agents of disruption sponsored by India." The field marshal also called for reinforcing national unity, stressing the importance of institutional integrity and constitutional governance. "We must build a strong Pakistan where all institutions function according to law, without political pressure, and for the welfare of the people," he said and urged rejection of any narrative aimed at weakening the state. Praising the role of educators, he said, "Teachers are the greatest asset of Pakistan. The responsibility of character building of future generations rests with you." He credited his own success to his parents and teachers, saying, "Whatever I am today is because of them." Participants in the session expressed their support for the armed forces, with one saying during the Q&A session: "This safe homeland exists because of the sacrifices of our armed forces." The session ended on a note of unity and resolve, with attendees pledging to stand by Pakistan's armed forces in defending the nation's sovereignty and ideals. Spanning interactive sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional and national issues, Hilal Talks are intended to act as a forum for perspective sharing among members of Pakistan's academic community, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the Q&A session, participants expressed their sentiments, saying: "This safe homeland is secured by the uniform." They added: "We are proud of Pakistan and our armed forces, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with them." The forum concluded with a shared commitment to work together towards a more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India's water threat is misplaced; Kashmiris will pay the price
The local political leadership of Indian-held Kashmir is not convinced by the argument that the Narendra Modi-led government can stop the flow of rivers entering Azad Jammu and Kashmir from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They argue that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be violated. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India announced its intention to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Background The Indus Waters Treaty was a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan arranged and negotiated by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries. It was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960 by then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistani President Field Marshal Ayub Khan. It divides the six rivers of the Indus basin between the two countries – allocating the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan, and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India. India starts work on hydro projects after suspending treaty with Pakistan, sources say Despite multiple wars and ongoing hostilities, the treaty has endured as a rare symbol of bilateral cooperation. Any attempt to unilaterally suspend or violate it raises serious legal and humanitarian concerns. Mehraj Malik, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Indian held Jammu and Kashmir elected on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket, argues that India lacks the mechanism to divert the waters of the Chenab River. As a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, I am deeply familiar with the rivers, streams, and rivulets that traverse this land. He said that as a resident of IIOJK , he was deeply familiar with the rivers, streams, and rivulets that traversed the land. According to Malik, any attempt by India to stop the river's flow by constructing dams or similar structures would primarily harm the people of Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. He warns that the region itself could be submerged long before such measures cause any trouble for Pakistan. But first, one must ask: how exactly do they plan to stop this water? Before making bold claims about halting river flows, one must first understand the geography and reality on the ground. The idea that India can unilaterally stop or divert the waters of rivers like the Chenab is not only technically flawed – it is dangerously self-defeating. Even if such water were stopped for a month, the immediate and most severe impact would fall on the local population of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, not on Pakistan. Those advocating for water manipulation seem disconnected from practical realities. Where exactly will this water go? What is the alternative route? The Chenab ultimately flows into the Arabian Sea – do they believe it will simply evaporate or disappear along the way? To divert this water into Indian Punjab or elsewhere, a complex infrastructure would be required, likely taking decades to construct. And if the plan is to store the water and release it in bulk as a form of pressure on Pakistan, then it must be asked: who will suffer first from the resulting floods or shortages? The answer is simple – the people of Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, will bear the brunt. Any such move would cause irreparable harm to our people of Indian Kashmir, the agriculture, and way of life, long before it affects Pakistan. Such rhetoric may serve political optics, but the consequences would be far more real – and far more devastating – on other side of the Line of Control (LoC). For Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty is not just a diplomatic agreement – it is a foundation of national water security. With nearly 80% of its agriculture and livelihoods dependent on these rivers, any disruption would have catastrophic consequences for food production, public health, and economic stability. India's threat to suspend the treaty sets a dangerous precedent, one that undermines regional peace and weaponizes a shared natural resource. At a time when climate change is already straining water availability, politicizing river flows could push the region into deeper conflict. For the sake of regional stability and the welfare of millions, the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty must be preserved at all costs. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Did Vaani Kapoor delete Abir Gulaal posts from Instagram?
Listen to article Indian actress Vaani Kapoor's promotional posts for the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, have disappeared from her Instagram account, amid heightened political tensions following an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The romantic drama, directed by Aarti S Bagdi and produced by Vivek Agrawal, was scheduled for release on May 9. But after the 26-person death toll from the Pahalgam attack on April 30, political and industry backlash has thrown the project's future into doubt. Social media users were quick to notice that all content related to Abir Gulaal—including posters, teasers, and Vaani Kapoor's photos with Fawad Khan—had vanished from her profile. The deletions sparked speculation that Vaani Kapoor had intentionally distanced herself from the film. However, a report by NDTV clarified that the posts were not removed by the actress herself. Instead, the content was originally published as part of Instagram collaborations. When the production team deleted the original posts from their account, Instagram's system automatically removed the collaborative content from Vaani Kapoor's profile as well. Just days earlier, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) renewed its demand for a ban on Pakistani actors in Indian media, a stance it had previously taken after the Pulwama attack in 2019. Abir Gulaal had already attracted opposition from right-wing political parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The group's spokesperson, Ameya Khopkar, said the party would not allow any film featuring a Pakistani artist to be released in Maharashtra. In the wake of the attack, Indian media outlets have reported that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reviewing the film's release. Some sources have suggested the government may block its theatrical run altogether. Fawad Khan, who had condemned the Pahalgam attack on Instagram as a 'heinous act,' is now among several Pakistani celebrities whose accounts are restricted in India. Users attempting to access Fawad Khan's Instagram profile from India now see a message that reads: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' Other artists, including Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam and Hania Aamir, are also affected by similar platform restrictions.
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Political pundits downplay risk of war
While the spectre of full-scale war remains distant, the possibility of limited military action looms large – one that could fan the flames of war hysteria deliberately stoked by the belligerent Modi government, analysts have warned. Tensions continue to simmer on both sides of the border after India vowed retaliation over a recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which it blamed on Pakistan without furnishing evidence. In response, Islamabad issued a stern warning against any misadventure and placed its forces on high alert. Political analysts in Pakistan have downplayed the chances of full-scale conflict, arguing that India's media-driven war talk serves to bolster the ruling party's domestic image rather than signal genuine military intent. Despite the heightened rhetoric, they believe strategic restraint still holds at the military level, though a return to calm appears out of reach for now. Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, speaking to The Express Tribune, said the current "no war, no peace" situation is likely to persist as it benefits the Modi regime. However, he asserted that no military conflict or war between the two neighbours is expected. He said that despite Pakistan's smaller size, it had responded responsibly to India's threats. "Not only that, we are also apprising the world of the risk of misadventure by India, which shows our commitment to peace even in these testing times," he said. He likened the situation to the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the US and the USSR to the brink of nuclear conflict. "The world must be made aware of the consequences of a nuclear fallout," he warned. He added that Pakistan was compelled to issue a strong response only after India threatened annihilation. "Despite the chest-thumping on the Indian side, Pakistan remained composed, its people and its media," he said. He noted that Indian media's jingoism had reached a fever pitch. "The language pro-Modi media was using bordered on hate speech," he observed. Commenting on India's move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, Mushahid said it was a dangerous game that could backfire. "If we are the lower riparian in the case of the Jhelum, Chenab and Indus rivers, then India is a lower riparian state in the case of the Brahmaputra and Indus, both of which originate from China," he said. "If India tries to fiddle with our water supply, China could disrupt the flow in those rivers." He clarified that India had only held the IWT in abeyance and had not suspended it. "They cannot suspend the treaty, nor can they disrupt the water supply in the short run. They simply don't have the infrastructure for that," he said. Senior political analyst and former caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Hasan Askari also said the probability of a full-blown war was low. However, he warned that limited military action remained a real possibility. He noted that India had for the past two decades sought ways to punish Pakistan below the nuclear threshold, but had failed to do so thus far. He praised Pakistan's overall conduct during the crisis. "Other than the defence and information ministers, Pakistan and its media have acted maturely and professionally," he said.
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
FO refutes false claims on Indian media, says Wagah border open for Pakistanis
Listen to article The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday rejected claims made by Indian media that the country had closed the Wagah border to Pakistani citizens returning from India, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The statement came in response to a Indian media reports alleging that Pakistan had 'refused' to open the Wagah border, leaving several Pakistani nationals stranded in the area between the Attari and Wagah checkpoints. 'Many patients with fragile health had to return to Pakistan without completing their treatment. Furthermore, there are reports of families being split and children being separated from one of their parents,' the Foreign Office said in its statement. The ministry clarified that the Wagah-Attari border crossing remained operational until April 30, and Pakistan remains willing to receive its citizens as long as Indian authorities permit them to cross. 'The Wagah border will remain open for Pakistani citizens in the future as well,' it added. Tensions have risen between two countries following a deadly attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. India has hinted at cross-border links to the attack but has not provided evidence. Pakistan has strongly denied involvement and called for an independent investigation. Following the incident, India revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals and directed them to leave the country by April 29. Previously, Pakistan's health minister pledged government-funded treatment for two young heart patients who were forced to return from India without medical care due to escalating tensions between the two countries. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal directed the Director General of Health to immediately contact the family of the two girls. He said arrangements were being made to begin their treatment in Pakistan at the government's expense. Kamal also confirmed that he had reached out to the Prime Minister's Office and that the health ministry had started coordinating with various hospitals. The girls may be referred to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC), he added.
