Dr Fai says it’s time to end charade in Kashmir

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Chairman of World Forum for Peace & Justice, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai has said that it is clear that resolving the Kashmir dispute requires a careful evaluation of its many points of contention and addressing them one by one in a carefully drawn-out process in which coming to an agreement on each sets the stage for moving on to the next.

Speaking at a seminar organized by ‘India Study Center’ of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) to commemorate “Kashmir Solidarity Day”, he said that the most basic set of principles must be established and adhered to regarding human rights, the interests of the Kash- miris themselves, and the preservation of vital interests that both India and Pakistan have at stake, and then to proceed with steps toward objectives that result in a winwin solution for all.

While thanking the people of Pakistan for their continuous diplomatic support for the cause of Kashmir, Dr. Ghulam

Nabi Fai elucidated that the response by the world powers, including the United States to the Kashmiri situation must be based on the principles of the right of a people with a distinct historical and cultural identity to decide their own future; the sanctity of international agreements worked out by the United Nations; a peaceful and stable subcontinent free from the possibility of a regional nuclear ex- change; and the consistent application of human rights standards.

Such an approach could lead to a just and peaceful resolution of the 76-year-old dispute that would be a lasting credit to U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. On the other hand, reluctance to undertake such an initiative neither contributes to a long-term strategy of global peace and security nor answers the demands of human conscience and the principles of justice, he explained.

Dr. Fai warned that gimmickry and maneuvers, no matter by whom encouraged and approved, cannot be a response to a demand for which tens of thousands have shed their blood in Kashmir. To ignore this principle is to plan for failure. He called upon the inter-

The court reserved its verdict on the police’s request and gave the transcript of Ahmad’s interview to his lawyer, who argued the sections imposed in the case against his client were not valid and that Ahmad was subjected to torture during his police custody. Ahmad has also filed a plea in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking a restraining order against his transfer from Islamabad to Karachi. The former interior minister has accused the police of keeping him blindfolded and tied to a chair for hours during his two-day physical remand.

During the proceedings, the court ordered to uncuff him and later reserved its verdict on the police’s request for an extension of his physical remand. rashid’s lawyer argued the sections imposed in the case against his client were not valid and that Ahmad was subjected to torture during his police custody. The court gave the transcript of his interview to his lawyer.

In his plea to the high court, rashid requested the court to quash the case against him and restrict the authorities from lodging more cases against him. He also asked the court to declare the several complaints registered in Murree and Karachi as illegal and shift the case registered in Karachi to Islamabad. The petitioner also sought that the case be declared illegal, unlawful, and without lawful authority.

ig Punjab Police announces rs2.5m for wounded policemen

LAHORE

Staff RepoRt national community and the UN Secretary General to fulfill their obligations towards the maintenance of peace as well as realization of the Kashmiris’ rights as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

Usman Anwar, the chief of Punjab police, announced on Saturday rs2.5 million for policemen injured on duty, as part of a scheme aimed at the welfare of force. It was also suggested to announce rs10 million for handicapped policemen unable to perform their job. A report has been compiled to designate such posts to a special one as it’s for the killed policemen. The police also announced upgrading the medical package for partially and completely handicapped cops. Earlier, 12 police officers, including Kasur police chief Imran Karamat Bukhari, have been transferred by Punjab police. According to the notification issued by Punjab police, Bukhari has been replaced by Tariq Aziz Sindhu, and has been directed to report to Central Police Office (CPO).

He spelled out if there had been popular support in Kashmir for joining India, the dispute over Kashmir would have lasted for a year or so at the most. It would have dissolved long ago. He forewarned India that it is time to end the violence. It’s time to end the charade. It’s time for Kashmiris to sort out their own affairs and determine their own future, Fai added.

The Seminar was attended by representatives of diplomatic corps, academics, students, members of civil society, and senior officials.