Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, strongly criticized the Indian Supreme Court’s recent decision that endorsed the Narendra Modi-led government’s move to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). PM Kakar made these remarks during a media briefing in the Muzaffarabad district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The premier vehemently stated, “Kashmir was never a part of India and will never be,” asserting that any court could not determine the fate of Kashmiris. This statement followed closely on the heels of the Indian Supreme Court’s ruling, which declared Article 370, providing special status to IIOJK, as a temporary measure. The ruling further affirmed the status of the occupied territory as an integral part of India, as indicated by Articles 1 and 370 of the Indian Constitution.
The Indian Chief Justice-led bench also upheld the government’s decision to rescind the semi-autonomous status of IIOJK, stating that the region did not possess internal sovereignty. This verdict has sparked significant reactions and discussions regarding the ongoing Kashmir dispute.
In his press conference, PM Kakar emphasized that Pakistan would not acknowledge any unilateral actions regarding IIOJK, reiterating its status as an internationally recognized disputed territory. He stressed that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should align with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, primarily through a referendum.
Furthermore, he asserted that no Indian court or legislative assembly had the authority to dictate the future of the Kashmiri people. He mentioned that India’s unilateral actions in IIOJK have only intensified the Kashmiri freedom struggle. PM Kakar also noted that the international community has not endorsed India’s stance on Kashmir.
Lastly, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the residents of IIOJK, considering them as potential citizens of Pakistan, and vowed to defend their rights against any infringement.
