India Politicized Pulwama to Target Kashmir’s Autonomy, Claims Dar

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) – Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly denounced India’s continued attempts to solidify its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, warning that Pakistan will never recognize any unilateral action aimed at changing the region’s internationally disputed status.

Speaking on the occasion of Kashmir Exploitation Day, Dar condemned the Indian government’s alleged plans to formally declare the region a Union Territory, calling it a calculated step in erasing Kashmiri identity and denying the people their fundamental rights.

He stated that India used the 2019 Pulwama incident as a pretext to revoke Kashmir’s special constitutional status under Article 370, a move that Dar described as both illegal and oppressive. “New Delhi has turned the valley into an open-air prison,” he said, highlighting the curtailment of civil liberties and human rights across the region.

Dar stressed that no domestic legislation in India can alter the disputed nature of Kashmir, which remains recognized under United Nations Security Council resolutions. “India’s actions violate international law and the will of the Kashmiri people,” he asserted.

He criticized India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, stating it was hypocritical given its disregard for the Council’s own resolutions. “How can a country that systematically silences a whole population claim to represent global justice?” he asked.

The Deputy Prime Minister also denounced India’s refusal to allow international media into Kashmir to assess the ground situation, accusing it of conducting an ongoing crackdown on civilians. “Kashmiris are being martyred simply for demanding their basic rights,” he added.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support, Dar invoked the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, calling Kashmir Pakistan’s jugular vein. He also took a swipe at the PTI, accusing the party of politicizing the Kashmir cause for domestic leverage and weakening national unity on a critical issue.

While reiterating Pakistan’s preference for peaceful dialogue, Dar warned that the country remains fully prepared to respond to any aggression. “We don’t want war, but if anyone dares to harm Pakistan, we will respond decisively,” he cautioned.

Praising the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, Dar referenced India’s losses in past military conflicts as a reminder of Pakistan’s strength and resolve. He urged India to end its human rights violations, release political prisoners, repeal draconian laws, and reverse the August 5, 2019 actions.

Dar concluded with a firm message: “Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir until their right to self-determination is realized.”

Source: Web Desk