India requests Pakistan to review limiting of diplomatic ties
ISLAMABAD– Following the decision of National Security Committee (NSC) to downgrade its diplomatic ties with New Delhi, the puzzled Indian government on Thursday has requested the Pakistani authorities to review its stance and normalize the diplomatic relations.
Ministry of External Affairs in India has requested Pakistan to mull over the NSC decisions in order to open the doors for negotiations.
It is pertinent to mention here that the development came after NSC decided to suspend trade ties with arch rivals India who, on Monday, scrapped Articles 370 and 35A which give special status to the occupied Kashmir.
The announcement was made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah during his address in Rajya Sabha, upper house of Indian parliament. He said, “Kashmir will no longer be a state. It will be divided into two union territories – Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, which will be without a legislature.” He also told that the valley would be re-organized geographically.
In the aftermath of escalating Kashmir situation, the Foreign Office in Islamabad had asked India to withdraw its high commissioner. The ministry said, “Pursuant to the decision of the NSC today, the government of India has been told to withdraw its high commissioner to Pakistan.”
Responding to the Indian move, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal has said that remember February 27, Muslims are not afraid of anyone and Muslim dictionary has no word of fear.
At his weekly press briefing, the FO said that Prime Minister Imran Khan directed to use all options against the illegal measures of India. He also said that Pakistan has decided to trim relations with India, and India has also been informed about the decision.
