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PM Khan unveils new map of Pakistan including Indian side of Kashmir

Kashmir on edge on the anniversary of lost autonomy

August 04, 2020
Imran Khan
Imran Khan

Saudi Gazette report

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI —
In what can be described as Pakistan’s response to India’s decision to strip the Indian side of Kashmir of its autonomy last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled on Tuesday a new “political map," integrating disputed territory under India’s control in his country’s map for the first time in history.

The move, which comes on the eve of the first anniversary of revocation of autonomy of erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is set to ratchet up tensions between the two archrivals.

“This is the most important day in Pakistan’s history,” PM Imran said while addressing a news conference in Islamabad after chairing a Cabinet meeting, which approved the new map on Tuesday.

He added that for the first time in history, Pakistan has launched a political map that shows the whole Kashmir region including the Indian-administered as part of the country’s territory.

“Today is a historic day we have launched a new political map of Pakistan which is as per the aspirations of the entire nation as well as the people of Kashmir,” the Pakistan premier remarked.

He said the newly launched map is backed by all political parties of the country which he said supports the principled stance of the people of Indian Kashmir. “This map also opposes the Indian government’s illegal act of Aug. 5 last year,” he added.

The resolution of Kashmir dispute only lies in the UN Security Council resolutions and Pakistan will continue to make efforts for the people of Kashmir, said the premier, adding that, “We believe Kashmir dispute can only be resolved through political means not military.”

He said this new official map will henceforth be used in curriculum across the country.

Khan's announcement came as authorities in India imposed harsh and discriminatory restrictions in the Muslim-majority areas in Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to quell any protest on the anniversary of the controversial Indian decision in a move strongly denounced by the Human Rights Watch on Tuesday.

Tensions are mounting in other parts of India as the prime minister of India is set to lay the foundation stone for a grand temple that will come up on the land where Babri Masjid once stood.

Experts say that the day for the ceremony was deliberately chosen to coincide with the Kashmir anniversary in order to heap humiliation on the Muslim community in India and add insult to their injury.

August 04, 2020
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