ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has rejected the Indian protest over theConstitutional amendment in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) InterimConstitution (13th Amendment) Act 2018 and its claim over Indian-HeldKashmir (IHK).
“The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects India’s protest againstthe Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution (13th Amendment) Act 2018and its fallacious and baseless claim over the Indian occupied State ofJammu & Kashmir as an ‘integral part’ of India,” the Foreign Office said.
“The Indian claim has no legal basis and continues to be contradicted bythe situation on ground over the last seven decades,” Foreign Officespokesman said in a statement.
A joint sitting of the Azad Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the AJKCouncil, earlier this month, approved the much – awaited 13th amendment inthe Constitution of AJK, securing more empowerment for the StateGovernment. Under the amended Constitution most of powers earlier exercisedby the AJK council have been transferred to the AJK Legislative Assemblyand the government leaving the Kashmir Council to function as an advisorybody.
The spokesman said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir was a “disputed”territory and its disputed status was enshrined in the relevant UnitedNations Security Council resolutions. He said it stipulates that the finalstatus of Jammu and Kashmir would be determined through the democraticmethod of a transparent, free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of theUnited Nations to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiris.
These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the peopleof Kashmir, are accepted by India, Pakistan and the internationalcommunity, the spokesman said.
He said the Indian attempts to deflect attention from the ongoingatrocities in IHK, including the use of pellet guns and humans shields,through baseless, fallacious contentions were regrettable and bound tofailure.
Indian intransigence to implement UN Security Council Resolutions in letterand spirit continues to hold hostage peace and development in the region,the Foreign Office said.
“Instead of making frivolous protests and issuing legally untenable anduncalled for statements, India should take steps to vacate its illegaloccupation, fulfill its international obligations and expedite resolutionof the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security CouncilResolutions,” the Spokesman said. – APP