Modi should tell world whether Aug 5 move was bilateral: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should tell the world whether the Aug 5 move was bilateral. Talking to the media on Wednesday, he challenged the Indian prime minister to lift the curfew and release the arrested people if has some courage. “The revocation of Article 370 is a test for Indian Supreme Court,” he said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpujmNGyoSA He said that the prime minister would make the final decision on the closure of the air space to India. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would forcefully present aspirations of Kashmiri people before the international community during his address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) next month. He said that the prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings and attend other events in New York on the sidelines of UN General Assembly session. The minister acknowledged that under the Shimla agreement, both Pakistan and India were bound to bilaterally resolve the Kashmir dispute. He said that the unilateral steps in Occupied Kashmir were in total breach of UN Security Council resolutions and the international laws. He pointed out that 14 petitions had been filed in the Indian Supreme Court against these illegal steps. Shah Mahmood Qureshi voiced concern over situation in Occupied Kashmir, saying that the people are facing shortage of essential commodities including food items and life-saving drugs. “Kashmiris are not being allowed to offer the Friday prayers.” The minister said that the police in Occupied Kashmir which comprised Muslims are perturbed over the situation. “This is the reason that the Indian authorities are taking arms and weapons from police officers,” he added. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the world community is not oblivious to the situation in Occupied Valley. “The public opinion on the Kashmir dispute is now changing at the international level.” He said that Pakistani and Kashmiri community abroad is holding protest demonstrations against the Indian atrocities and persecution. “Our community in London will stage a big protest in the coming days.” Responding to a question, the foreign minister said that Pakistan is grateful to Iran for coming up with a strong stance in support of the oppressed Kashmiri people. Earlier, the foreign minister held a meeting with NADRA Chairman Usman Yousaf Mobin and discussed a proposal to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis.