ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal has said thatPakistan condemns attempts to scrap Article 35A of the Indian Constitutionas these are clearly aimed at bringing about demographic changes in theOccupied Kashmir.

In a statement, he said we understand that the Supreme Court of India isdue to deliberate, shortly, on the petitions calling for scrapping ofArticle 35A of the Indian Constitution.

He said any move in this direction would be a blatant violation ofinternational law and the relevant United Nations Security Councilresolutions, which prohibit introducing material changes to the disputedterritory.

The Spokesperson said the evolving situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmiris equally a matter of grave concern.

He said following reprisal attacks against Kashmiris in the Indian OccupiedKashmir and many parts of India after the Pulwama attack, there have beenfurther heavy-handed steps including enhanced use of force, large-scalearrests, and incarceration of senior Kashmiri leaders.

The Spokesperson said the large-scale deployment of additionalpara-military forces, and orders by the local administration to hospitalsand about sale of fuel and food grains, are contributing to an atmosphereof extreme intimidation and fear.

Dr Muhammad Faisal urged the international community to take cognizance ofthe situation and counsel India to refrain from further escalation, defusecurrent tensions and resolve issues through dialogue and engagement.