Pakistan Rejects Indian Supreme Court's Kashmir Ruling

 

Introduction

On Friday, Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) dismissed the latest decision by India's Supreme Court concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Supreme Court had upheld its earlier ruling, which endorsed the Modi administration's move to revoke the special status of Kashmir by abrogating Article 370.

Background on Article 370

Article 370 granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. Its abrogation in August 2019 by the Indian government was a controversial move, leading to significant unrest and international criticism.

FO's Response to the Verdict

The FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, reiterated Pakistan's rejection of the Indian Supreme Court's ruling. She emphasized that both the December 2023 and the latest verdicts fail to acknowledge the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, as recognized internationally.

"We reject the fresh order of the Indian Supreme Court just as we had rejected the earlier order of December 11, 2023. Two verdicts fail to recognize the internationally recognized disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir," Baloch stated during her weekly briefing.

Human Rights Violations in Kashmir

Baloch also highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She insisted that Indian court decisions could not divert the global community's attention from these violations.

Right to Self-Determination

According to Baloch, the people of Kashmir possess an inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions. She argued that India has no authority to unilaterally alter the status of the disputed territory without the consent of the involved parties – the Kashmiris and Pakistan.

International Support for Palestine

In her briefing, Baloch also welcomed recent announcements by several countries, including Ireland, Spain, and Norway, to recognize the state of Palestine. She hailed these decisions as significant milestones in the Palestinian people's long-standing quest for self-determination.

Conclusion

Pakistan continues to stand firm against the Indian Supreme Court's decisions regarding Kashmir, emphasizing the region's disputed status and the need for international intervention to address human rights concerns. The FO's statements reflect Pakistan's commitment to supporting both Kashmiri and Palestinian rights to self-determination.

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FAQs

What is Article 370?

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing the region to have its own constitution and autonomy over internal matters.

Why did Pakistan reject the Indian Supreme Court's ruling?

Pakistan rejected the ruling because it does not recognize the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir as acknowledged internationally and overlooks ongoing human rights violations in the region.

What are the human rights concerns in Kashmir?

There have been numerous reports of human rights violations in Kashmir, including restrictions on freedom of speech, unlawful detentions, and excessive use of force by security personnel.

How does the international community view the Kashmir issue?

The Kashmir issue is recognized internationally as a disputed territory, and several UN Security Council resolutions affirm the right of Kashmiris to self-determination.

What recent support has Palestine received internationally?

Recently, countries like Ireland, Spain, and Norway have announced their recognition of the state of Palestine, supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

What is Pakistan's stance on Kashmir?

Pakistan maintains that Kashmir is a disputed territory and supports the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination as per international law and UN resolutions.