China rejects Indian claims, Saudi Arabia stands with Pakistan on Kashmir issue: FM

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that China reiterates its position on Kashmir issue and rejected India's many claims regarding Kashmir. Addressing a news conference, the minister mentioned that India undertook the illegal steps to change the demography of the disputed territory and disempowered the local population. "China has made it clear that Kashmir is a disputed territory. Bilateral agreements should be reached to resolve the issue peacefully," FM Qureshi maintained. He also said there is no change in the stance of Saudi Arabia on Kashmir, adding that Saudi Arabia stands with Pakistan. He said both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are discussing different proposals. He said the OIC has several times passed unambiguous resolutions in support of oppressed Kashmiri people.

Kashmiris' struggle takes new turn

The foreign minister said Kashmiri struggle for right to self determination has taken a new turn with a political resistance movement gaining strength in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK). He pointed out that six political parties of IoK have rejected the Indian steps of August 5 last year. He said these political parties have forged an alliance, vowing to wage a joint struggle to revive the old status of the territory. He said this is not an ordinary occurrence but an important development as the joint statement issued by the political parties hold the signatures of Farooq Abdullah and  enjoys support of the Congress party which is the main opposition party in India. Fm Qureshi explained that it is a clear message to Modi government that the Kashmiris have stood up against the illegal steps of 5th August. He said India undertook the illegal steps to change the demography of the disputed territory and disempowered the local population. He said the Indian brutal acts of the last one year including military siege and communication blackout have not shaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.

International community

"The international community doesn’t consider occupied Kashmir conflict as internal matter of India. Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has raised Kashmir matter on every platform for the freedom of innocent people living in this valley. Kashmiris are still fighting for their right of self-determination," the minister stated.