Latest news with #Kashmiri
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘J&K should be a bridge of friendship between India and Pakistan': Mehbooba Mufti
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that Jammu and Kashmir should be a bridge of friendship between India and Pakistan and not a theatre of war. Addressing party workers in Srinagar, Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir has always borne the brunt of war and violence, according to PTI news agency. 'The PDP will continue to raise its voice for peace and channel the sentiments of people. We must end the spectre of war so that people can plan their lives and revive the economy,' Mufit was quoted as saying by PTI. 'Jammu and Kashmir should be a bridge of understanding, friendship and cooperation, not a theatre of war.' She also reacted to calls for intensified military action against Pakistan from Kashmiri leaders, saying that such statements reflect a dangerous mindset. Also Read | Counter intelligence wing of J&K Police conduct raids across Valley 'When the Indus Waters Treaty was put in abeyance by the government of India, it was (Jammu and Kashmir) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who hailed the move and even advocated for an immediate halt to water supplies to Pakistan,' she said. "We may have political differences with the government of Pakistan, but not with its people. It is saddening that such remarks are being made by the leader of the only Muslim-majority state in the country," she added, according to PTI. Also Read | J&K's development won't stop, terror will get stronger reply: Amit Shah in Poonch Mufti also warned against the "rising tide of war rhetoric" that, according to her, continues to impact the people of the region. "These leaders want more war and more dead bodies. It is, however, only the PDP that has consistently advocated for an end to hostilities and spoken for the people's right to live a life of dignity," she said. Operation Sindoor was India's direct military response to the April 22 terror strike at Pahalgam in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians in what was the worst attack on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai strikes. India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The pre-dawn strikes – which killed at least 100 terrorists – sparked a series of attacks and counter attacks across the western border, involving fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and fierce artillery and rocket duels. In one such counterattack on the night of May 9-10, the air force struck targets at 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations. After four days of fighting, military hostilities were stopped on May 10 as the two nations reached an understanding.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Erdogan's Gamble: Why Siding With Pakistan Is A Losing Bet Against Modi's India
Last Updated: Turkey's political alignment with Pakistan contrasts sharply with its economic interests with India The geopolitical landscape is witnessing increasing strain between India and Turkey, driven by Ankara's persistent alignment with Pakistan. While historical ties once facilitated cooperation, Turkey's vocal support for Islamabad, coupled with the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan in cross-border attacks, has severely deteriorated bilateral relations. Ankara's strategy, aimed at bolstering its influence in the Islamic world, is an ill-advised gamble. Continued economic engagement with India would be far more advantageous than its current political posturing. However, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seems bent on destroying ties, especially those hard-won and easily lost. Ankara's aligned stance and military complicity Erdoğan has unequivocally sided with Pakistan, particularly after India's counter-terror action, Operation Sindoor. Ankara openly condemned New Delhi's military actions, labelling them provocative and a potential trigger for wider conflict. This stance is not new; Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan's position on Kashmir, with Erdoğan affirming solidarity with the 'Kashmiri brothers" in February 2025 and seeking to raise the issue globally. advetisement Such diplomatic assertiveness has emboldened Pakistan, allowing it to circumvent international scrutiny of its terror-sponsoring activities. Turkey's support has also led Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue unnecessarily in forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, albeit unsuccessfully. Furthermore, this support has a military dimension. Turkish C-130 Hercules transport planes deliver military cargo to Pakistan, alongside the docking of Turkish naval vessels in Karachi. More critically, preliminary findings identified Turkish-manufactured Asisguard Songar models, or similar Turkish-origin drones, as those used by Pakistan in cross-border strikes during heightened tensions. Direct military support, along with diplomatic backing, demonstrates the depth of this partnership. Consequently, Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier after China, marked by collaborative military projects and joint exercises. India's strategic recalibration and countermeasures India has not remained passive. New Delhi has embarked on a strategic recalibration, deepening ties with countries that are either Ankara's regional rivals or those with which it has strained relations. This includes strengthening defence and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with nations like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and France. Its proactive policy in West Asia, seeking robust strategic ties with key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) players such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, also serves as a counterbalance to Turkish expansionism and its aspirations for leadership in the Islamic world. Furthermore, India views the Turkey-Pakistan axis not merely as a military threat but also as a challenge in narrative warfare and diplomatic influence. Both Ankara and Islamabad are investing in state-backed media outlets and social media campaigns to internationalise issues that India considers internal, specifically Kashmir. In response, India is enhancing its indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming for strategic autonomy and reducing vulnerabilities to shifting geopolitical allegiances. The growing call within India for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism reflects public anger and provides a direct economic lever against Turkey's perceived support for terrorism. The diminishing economic returns for Ankara Critically, Turkey's political alignment with Pakistan contrasts sharply with its economic interests with India. Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) reveals that India has consistently maintained a significant trade surplus with Turkey. Advertisement In FY22-23, India's trade surplus with Turkey stood at $5.4 billion, which, while still substantial, reduced to $2.9 billion in FY23-24. From April to February in FY24-25, exports to Turkey were $5.2 billion, and imports stood at $2.84 billion, a surplus of approximately $2.7 billion—an economic relationship heavily skewed against Ankara. The economic repercussions of Turkey's political choices are becoming increasingly evident. India's overall merchandise trade with Turkey contracted to approximately 63% of FY22-23 levels by FY24-25. This decline, predating the most recent surge in tensions, reflects Turkey's souring relations with India amid Ankara's outbursts on Kashmir. Following widespread calls across India for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism, major travel companies such as EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have advised against or suspended bookings to Turkey. Cleartrip reported a 260% rise in cancellations to Turkey within a single week. While India's imports from Turkey—including mineral oil, gold, and marble—represent a minuscule portion of its total inbound shipments, the overall trade volume, particularly India's substantial exports of mineral fuels, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals, demonstrates that continued economic ties are far more beneficial to Turkey than its current confrontational political alignment. advetisement Conclusion Erdoğan's gamble of siding with Pakistan against India is fundamentally flawed. While it may serve his domestic political agenda and aspirations for regional leadership, it comes at a significant cost to Turkey's economic interests. top videos View All India is a rapidly growing economic power with a massive market and significant geopolitical weight. It has demonstrated its resolve to counter hostile alignments through diplomatic recalibration, fiscal measures, and a robust defence posture. Turkey's trade deficit with India, coupled with the immediate and tangible impact of Indian boycott calls, shows that a continued confrontational stance offers minimal returns. For Ankara, abandoning its flawed foreign policy necessitates a pragmatic re-evaluation of its priorities. Economic prosperity through balanced relationships may ultimately yield greater dividends than a strategically ill-advised political alliance. About the Author Sohil Sinha tags : defence erdogan Kashmir Operation Sindoor pakistan trade turkey Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 30, 2025, 20:38 IST News opinion Opinion | Erdogan's Gamble: Why Siding With Pakistan Is A Losing Bet Against Modi's India
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Kashmir conflict: Pakistan calls for peace with India
Amid rising tensions over Kashmir, Pakistan's envoy to South Africa has called for dialogue while condemning India's recent air and drone strikes. Pakistan Markazi Muslim League activists take part in a rally in Karachi this week marking the country's national day in commemoration of the Chagai-I and Chagai-II series of nuclear tests. Picture: Rizwan Tabassum / AFP 'We don't want war, we want peace with India, but we will always defend our sovereignty and our territorial integrity against any invasion,' says Pakistan's acting high commissioner to South Africa, Fahad Amjad. He was reacting to the recent war between India and Pakistan over Indian-administered Kashmir. Amjad was explaining Pakistan's position regarding what Islamabad called India's 'unprovoked and unjustified attacks' using coordinated missile, air and drone strikes on multiple locations inside Pakistan recently on 6 and 7 May. Areas affected by the attack included Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad. The conflict began with alleged terrorist attacks on tourists on 22 April, killing 26 people. But Amjad said India blamed the attack on Pakistan. The disputed territory is the subject of various UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. Long-standing dispute rooted in history and religion The core issue stems from a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, dating back to the 1947 partition of India. Both countries claim the entire region, but control only parts of it, leading to conflict and ongoing tensions. The issue is further complicated by the region's Muslim-majority population and the unresolved question of self-determination, which has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan. Since 2019, India has taken over the area as part of its union territory. But Amjad said India was not allowed to act unilaterally regarding the area and the final decision lay with the Kashmiri people through a plebiscite and via the UNSC. ALSO READ: Six killed in school bus bombing in SW Pakistan Water treaty dispute deepens mistrust The 1960 Water Treaty between the two countries, which was brokered by the World Bank, often also fuelled the conflict. India accused Pakistan of unilaterally suspending the treaty, which governs the use of water sources that flow between the two nations. 'We are dependent for our water needs on those rivers which come from India-controlled territories. 'We can't do it unilaterally because the treaty is guaranteed by the World Bank, and the treaty has a mechanism that, in case of a dispute, we can refer it to a third party, like arbitration, or the World Bank can decide about it. 'We will always follow the steps that we have in terms of the treaty,' Amjad said. Civilian casualties and retaliation raise alarm The situation was also exacerbated by the pro-government Indian media's narrative that 'we should crush Pakistan' and 'we should attack Pakistan', he said. On 6-7 May, India hit between seven and eight targets in Pakistan. Between 20 and 22 people died in the attacks on the areas that India described as terrorist areas. But according to Amjad, most of the victims were civilians, including children. Pakistan retaliated by shooting down some of the fighter jets that India used in the attacks. 'In our response we said we will not target any civilians but only the military installations.' The confrontation between the two countries continued for two to three days. It subsided when various international players engaged with the leaders of both countries. ALSO READ: India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of attacks A ceasefire brokered by the US was achieved. 'As the policy of our government, we want to continue the ceasefire. But the Jammu-Kashmir issue remained unresolved.' Calls for South African mediation and global peace effort During a seminar with civil society organisations in Sandton on Wednesday night some suggested that South Africa, which championed the Palestinian cause in the ongoing Middle East war, should be involved in attempts to resolve the Pakistan-India Kashmir dispute. They claimed South Africa had to fulfil Nelson Mandela's wish that the conflict should be resolved peacefully. An international solution is needed, including taking the issue to the International Court of Justice. Zohra Kathrada, a niece of the late ANC stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, said as a family, they always stood with countries that were occupied. 'We stand in solidarity with any occupied country,' Kathrada said. Salman Khan said the Indian occupation of Jammu-Kashmir was as important as the occupation of Palestine by Israel. Fatima Domingo, of the SA Kashmir Action Group, said Pakistan response to India's attacks was not aggression, but self-defence. She condemned India for allegedly monopolising the water resources in the region. Speaking at the seminar, Amjad said Pakistan was ready for dialogue with India on all the issues, including Jammu-Kashmir. 'We want to live in peace' 'We also welcome any kind of mediation from a friendly country. We want to live in peace. We don't want war with any country. 'First, on this old issue, we will not attack. But if India attacks us, then we will have to respond. Second, we believe in the supremacy of international law, which we respect. We also expect that other countries should follow the policies, rules and regulations of international law,' Amjad said. He expressed concern that India would do it again. 'If something is done to Pakistan, we will respond to it. 'We also request that our international partners talk with India so that sense prevails and there are no confrontations. We want to resolve all issues with India through dialogue and in a peaceful manner.' ALSO READ: Pakistan tests missile weapons system amid India standoff
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Sarah Adam lifts the veil on India-TTP nexus to kill Kashmiris
This is apropos a letter to the Editor from this writer carried by the newspaper yesterday. Despite efforts in the US Congress to introduce accountability measures — such as the stalled Protecting Death Act — no meaningful action has been taken to plug these financial leaks. Sarah Adam calls this a case of strategic blindness, warning that Western aid is unintentionally funding the next regional war. Adam describes India's strategy as a classic case of short-term gain, long-term catastrophe. By weaponizing the Taliban against Pakistani interests, India may have scored a few tactical wins, but it is also creating a monster it cannot control. The second-tier Kashmiri leadership now being cultivated is deeply radical, bound not by nationalism but by jihadist ideology. And while Pakistan may be the immediate target, India will not be immune to their long-term plans. The Taliban and Al-Qaeda-aligned fighters, once fully entrenched, will have no qualms about shifting their attention toward India—particularly in Kashmir. Their transnational agenda doesn't distinguish between India and Pakistan; both are seen as secular enemies obstructing their vision of Islamic rule. One of the most alarming outcomes Sarah Adam highlights is the increased risk of accidental war. Given the current volatility in India-Pakistan relations, even a small, third-party terrorist strike could ignite a massive military confrontation. With both states on hair-trigger alert, a misattributed attack could spiral into a catastrophic war—not between nations by intent, but orchestrated by extremist groups for mutual destruction. Adam calls this scenario 'killing two birds with one stone,' where radical groups manipulate mistrust between India and Pakistan to fuel regional chaos and ideological expansion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan for strengthen presence and role of UNMOGIP
ISLAMAVBAD: In the wake of recent developments following Pahalgam incident in April, Pakistan on Thursday said that there is a dire need to further strengthen the presence and role of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). 'Pakistan is also host to one of the oldest UN peacekeeping Missions – the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The recent developments in the region reinforce the need for further strengthening the presence and role of UNMOGIP, along with a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,' Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on eve of International UN Peacekeepers Day. On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we commend the dedication of the UN peacekeepers, who continue to serve with courage in many parts of the world for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we commemorate this day, we reiterate our commitment towards UN Peacekeeping as a vital tool for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world, and to adapt it to address the new challenges, said Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson in a statement on Thursday. On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Pakistan joins the international community in recognising the dedication, courage, and service of the UN peacekeepers, who continue to serve with dedication and courage in many parts of the world for the maintenance of international peace and security. DPM Dar highlighted this day is also an important reminder to honour the ultimate sacrifice made by many UN peacekeepers in their line of duty, including 181 brave peacekeepers from Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has remained a leading Troops Contributing Country (TCC), with over 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers, both men and women, serving with distinction in many parts of the world, he added. At a time when the world is facing multifaceted threats the UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective instruments for maintaining international peace and security. As the international community commemorates this day, there is a need for renewed political commitment to adapt the UN Peacekeeping to address the contemporary and future challenges, including through technological innovation, and strengthening regional partnerships. Pakistan, along with the Republic of Korea, co-hosted the Third United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on 15-16 April 2025, in Islamabad, under the theme: 'Towards a Safer and More Effective Peacekeeping: Use of Technology and Integrated Approach.' The outcomes of the meeting have been instrumental in helping create a new momentum towards achieving this end. Pakistan is the 5th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 2,800 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara. During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General, António Guterres, paid tribute to more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. UN also honoured posthumously two Pakistani personnel with the Dag Hammarskjold medal. The honoured personnel include: Sepoy Muhammad Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan who both served with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
