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Express Tribune
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rallies roar as Pakistan raises Kashmir cry
Citizens from all walks of life converge outside Parliament House in Islamabad to mark Youm-e-Istehsal, raising voices for the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Pakistan marked Youm-e-Istehsal on Tuesday with nationwide rallies, seminars, and diplomatic events to condemn India's illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019. The day served as a powerful reminder of India's continued oppression in the disputed region, with Pakistan's leadership, civil society, and international allies renewing calls for justice and self-determination for Kashmiris. The main rally in Islamabad, organised by the government, began at the Foreign Office and culminated at D-Chowk, with participants including federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, students, and civil society activists. At 10am, the entire nation observed a one minute of silence to honour the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs, who have fallen victim to India's brutal occupation. Also, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) hosted a seminar titled "August 5 and Beyond: Violations of International Law in IIOJK." Speaking at the seminar, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed accused India of "Hindutva fascism" and compared its policies to "Israeli apartheid" in Palestine. "India's actions in Kashmir mirror the worst forms of colonial oppression. The world must act before it's too late," he warned. Former AJK President Sardar Masood Khan dismissed India's claims of development in Kashmir, stating: "If Kashmir is truly prospering under India, why are Kashmiris still barred from visiting martyrs' graves? The truth is, India fears the Kashmiri people's unbreakable spirit." Meanwhile, Hurriyat leader Altaf Hussain Wani, in an emotional interview with state broadcaster, described August 5 as a day of betrayal. "India thought it could erase Kashmir's identity, but the resistance grows stronger. Pakistan's support gives us hope that justice will prevail," he said. From the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan to the bustling streets of Karachi, Pakistanis from all walks of life participated in rallies, seminars, and marches to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren. In Gilgit, a major rally was held at Sir Syed Boys High School, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah addressed a large crowd. He said that August 5 is a black day in history when India violated international law and UN resolutions. "The people of Gilgit-Baltistan stand firmly with our Kashmiri brethren, and we will continue our struggle until Kashmir is free," Shah stated. In Quetta, Mastung, and other districts, protests were led by government officials, including Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar. Speakers condemned India's "state terrorism" and called on the UN to intervene. In Peshawar, a massive rally was led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who warned that Pakistan is prepared to take decisive action. "We have already shown India our strength in the May conflict. If the world continues to ignore Kashmir's suffering, Pakistan will not remain silent," he declared. In Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon highlighted the "historic role" of Pakistani leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in advocating the Kashmir cause. "From Quaid-e-Azam to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan's leadership has always stood with Kashmir. Today, despite political differences, all parties are united on this issue," he said. Pakistani embassies worldwide organized events to highlight India's human rights abuses in Kashmir. in Tehran, Iranian scholars joined Pakistani diplomats in condemning India's actions, calling Kashmir a "test case for global justice." The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) screened documentaries on Indian atrocities, urging the UAE to support Kashmir's cause. A photo exhibition in Tokyo showcased the suffering of Kashmiris under Indian occupation. In the rallies and seminars and other events, the speakers urged the international intervention community to help prevent India's reign of terror in IIOJK, where enforced disappearances, pellet gun injuries, and media blackouts persisted. "The time for silence is over. The world must act before another generation of Kashmiris is lost to oppression," urged Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the main Youm-e-Istehsal event in the federal capital. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ex-AJK president rejects India's 'ICBM hype'
Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir President and Pakistan's ex-ambassador to the United States, Sardar Masood Khan, has sharply criticised what he termed as "baseless and politically charged" Indian efforts to portray Pakistan as a threat in the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) domain. In an exclusive interview with a news network, Khan dismissed recent allegations linking Pakistan to intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development as fabricated and politically motivated distortions. He claimed the narrative is being deliberately amplified by Indian intelligence agencies and media outlets as part of a broader campaign to undermine Pakistan's strategic credibility and disrupt its growing relationship with Washington. Khan pointed to a recent article in Foreign Affairs that mentioned Pakistan's missile programme only briefly, noting that the focus was primarily on nations such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. "Despite being referenced in just one paragraph, Indian actors have inflated this into a full-fledged disinformation drive," Khan said, calling the move "an act of narrative desperation."
Business Recorder
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Security, stability: Iran-Israel conflict could have grave implications: Masood
MUZAFFARABAD: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has warned that the escalating Iran-Israel conflict could have grave and far-reaching implications for Pakistan's national security and stability. In a series of media interviews, Khan expressed deep concern over the widening scope of hostilities between Iran and Israel, cautioning that a prolonged war could trigger a new wave of refugee influx into Pakistan, similar to the aftermath of the Afghan conflict. 'If the war drags on, there is a strong possibility of a mass exodus of Iranian refugees towards Pakistan,' he stated, noting that such a scenario would strain Pakistan's resources and social fabric. Khan emphasized that a potentially more dangerous outcome would be the weakening of the Pakistan-Iran border, making it vulnerable to exploitation by anti-state elements. 'Groups backed by hostile foreign powers, especially India—such as BLA, BLF, and other proxies—could infiltrate into Pakistan unchecked, posing a serious threat to our internal security,' he warned. Touching on the strategic motives behind Israel's military actions, Khan pointed out that Tel Aviv has made targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. 'Israel has already attacked nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow, and other key locations where uranium enrichment and missile programs are believed to be based,' he said. 'They claim to have neutralized nearly 40 percent of Iran's air defence systems.' Khan asserted that Israel is pressuring the United States to either intervene directly in the conflict or allow Israel to use tactical nuclear weapons against Iran. 'Israel is lobbying for the use of bunker-buster bombs or subterranean nuclear strikes that, according to them, would limit radioactive fallout to underground areas,' he explained. 'However, experts warn such assumptions are dangerously naive, and the consequences of a nuclear strike—direct or indirect—would be catastrophic not only for the region but globally, including for Israel itself.' On the international response, Khan noted that while Russia and China have offered diplomatic and moral support to Iran, Tehran has not formally requested military assistance. 'Russian President Vladimir Putin even offered to mediate between the two nations, a proposal accepted by Iran but reportedly dismissed by Israel,' he revealed. 'Nonetheless, Iran maintains strong defense ties with both Russia and China, and remains a critical partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative.' Regarding diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, Khan acknowledged that the United States has set a 15-day window to decide on its level of involvement. 'This pause has intensified backchannel diplomacy. The British Foreign Secretary has held high-level meetings in Washington, and even President Trump's close advisors are urging restraint,' he said. 'Still, military deployments by the U.S. in Europe, the Middle East, and particularly at Diego Garcia, suggest that war preparations are well underway.'
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Iran-Israel conflict may spill into Pakistan: Masood Khan
Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan warned that the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel could have severe consequences for Pakistan's security, stability, and regional standing. In a series of interviews, He said that a prolonged war could prompt an influx of Iranian refugees into Pakistan, comparable to the fallout of the Afghan conflict. He cautioned that Pakistan's already stretched resources would come under further strain if hostilities in the Middle East persist. If the war drags on, there is a strong possibility of a mass exodus of Iranian refugees towards Pakistan,' Khan said. 'Such a scenario would create economic, political, and social pressure.' Khan also warned that instability on the western border could provide a gateway for infiltration by anti-state groups allegedly backed by hostile foreign powers, especially India. He named outfits like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) as potential threats. 'A weakened border with Iran could be exploited by proxies seeking to destabilise Pakistan,' Khan stated. Discussing Israel's strategic aims, Khan noted that Tel Aviv had already targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure at Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan, and other critical sites. According to Khan, Israel claims to have neutralised nearly 40% of Iran's air defence network. He further alleged that Israel is pushing the United States either to intervene militarily or to grant approval for the limited use of tactical nuclear weapons. 'They're proposing subterranean nuclear strikes, which they argue would limit fallout,' Khan explained. 'But experts believe such thinking is dangerously naïve.' On international reactions, Khan said that while Russia and China have voiced support for Iran, Tehran has not formally sought military assistance. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate, a gesture welcomed by Iran but dismissed by Israel. Khan also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting that the United States has allowed a 15-day window to decide its course. 'This has opened room for backchannel diplomacy,' he said. 'The British Foreign Secretary has been active in Washington, and even some of President Trump's advisors are calling for restraint.' Despite diplomatic movements, Khan warned that US military deployments in Europe, the Middle East, and at Diego Garcia signal preparation for escalation. 'The world stands at a perilous crossroads,' he concluded. 'We must prepare for all outcomes, even as we hope diplomacy prevails.' Meanwhile, Iran has condemned US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities as a grave breach of international law, warning of dangerous consequences and vowing to defend its sovereignty by all means. Read more: Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations The strikes, carried out on June 21 and announced by US President Donald Trump, targeted Iran's main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Trump declared the mission a success and warned Tehran of further attacks if it retaliates or refuses peace. The attack, launched in coordination with Israel amid its ongoing military attacks against Iran, marked a major escalation in regional tensions. Trump, flanked by senior US officials, said the strikes aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear capability and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He later claimed all US aircraft had exited Iranian airspace safely. Iran denounced the strikes as criminal aggression and called on the United Nations and the IAEA to hold Washington accountable. Iranian officials accused both the US and Israel of undermining diplomacy, and criticised Western nations for demanding Iran return to talks it says it never left. Global reaction was mixed. Israel praised Trump's decision as historic, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a dangerous escalation that threatens global security. The EU, UK, and several other nations urged de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Countries including Venezuela, Cuba, and Qatar condemned the US action, warning of regional instability.
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India's aggressive posture threatening regional peace, Masood Khan
MUZAFFARABAD: Former AJK President and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has warned that India's hostile policies pose a serious threat to peace in South Asia and beyond. In an interview on Wednesday, Khan said India maintains a war-like posture under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has declared that any act of terrorism in India or Kashmir will be blamed on Pakistan and met with retaliation. 'Pakistan must remain fully prepared to respond to any potential escalation, it would be dangerous to harbour any illusions about the intentions of Indian leadership,' he cautioned. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khan said, has publicly stated that any act of terrorism in India or Indian occupied Kashmir will be attributed to Pakistan and met with retaliatory strikes. Masood Khan provided an in-depth analysis of Pakistan-India relations, the prospects for dialogue, and the prevailing Indian narrative. He stressed that recent tensions have sent a clear signal to the international community that any conventional conflict in South Asia holds the potential to spiral into a nuclear confrontation, with consequences extending far beyond the region. Khan noted that while India persistently accuses Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, it has never presented credible evidence. Conversely, he asserted that Pakistan possesses irrefutable proof of India's overt and covert involvement in terrorist activities within its borders- particularly through proxy networks operating in Balochistan and the tribal regions. He reiterated Pakistan's longstanding commitment to resolving all outstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue- whether via direct bilateral engagement or third-party mediation. However, he lamented that India has consistently avoided serious negotiations. On occasions when it has shown a nominal willingness to engage, it has diverted the discourse toward secondary issues, effectively sidestepping the core dispute. Referring to the Pehalgam incident, Khan accused India of unjustly blaming Pakistan, heightening tensions, and subsequently committing acts of military aggression. He stated that Pakistan responded with a measured and resolute counteraction, effectively thwarting India's designs. Following this, he added, New Delhi faced mounting diplomatic pressure that compelled it to express readiness for a ceasefire and talks. Yet, it now appears to be retreating from that stance. Commenting on India's proposed 'new normal' doctrine, Sardar Masood Khan warned that if India establishes a precedent of blaming Pakistan for every incident and justifying military responses as routine, sustainable peace in the region would become impossible.
