Pakistan on Thursday said any review of its decision of downgrading trade with India is linked with a similar rethinking by the neighbouring country on its unilateral decisions on Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).
“They are asking us for review. Are they ready to review their steps (on IHK)? If a review is to be made, then why it should be unilateral? This should also be bilateral in spirit of the Simla Agreement,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a press conference here. He said as Pakistan has decided to take the matter of Indian provocative announcements on IHK, he will visit China for holding consultation with the Chinese leadership. “If we have to move the UNSC, the most important consultation will be required with China,” the foreign minister said, adding that he is already in constant contact with Chinese ambassador on the matter.
The minister said Pakistan has decided to suspend Samjhuta Express in reaction to Indian decisions on IHK in violation of the international laws as well as the Simla Agreement. He clarified that Pakistan’s decision of downgrading trade with India will have no impact on Afghan trade that will continue because the country wants cordial ties with Afghanistan.
He said following the spirit behind Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan is ready to welcome the Sikh pilgrims from India as the move is not part of any design. However, he questioned the Indian government whether they joined the initiative under any pressure from Sikh community and if they want to carry it forward or give up.
Later, Foreign Minister Qureshi informed High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Vice President of European Commission Federica Mogherini that India’s recent move on Jammu and Kashmir can further deteriorate human rights situation in the occupied valley and upset peace in South Asia.
The foreign minister, in a telephonic conversation with EU high representative, apprised her about the two letters Pakistan has sent to the UN secretary general highlighting the gravity of the situation. He urged the high representative to appropriately brief the EU member states on the situation.
Qureshi expressed apprehension that India can carry out a false flag operation, blame Pakistan and embark upon a misadventure into the Pakistani territory. He stressed that any escalation on Pakistan’s eastern border can jeopardize the efforts of the international community to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. He highlighted that India has deployed 180,000 additional troops, suspended mobile and internet services and imposed curfew, locking down the entire population of IHK. He said the unilateral steps taken by India are against the very essence of various resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Jammu and Kashmir.
Qureshi also informed High Representative Mogherini about the decisions taken by the joint session of the parliament, including downgrading of diplomatic relations, suspension of bilateral trade, review of bilateral agreements and taking the matter to the UN Security Council.
Federica Mogherini said the EU is closely following the situation with deep concern and agreed that any escalation in the region can negatively impact the Afghan peace process and affect the regional security and stability.
The EU high representative underscored that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.
The two leaders agreed to stay in touch and continue to work together for peace and stability in the region. They also expressed satisfaction at the current level of bilateral relations, especially signing of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) in June 2019 and agreed that the interaction was in the spirit of close partnership between Pakistan and the EU.
