ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Pakistan on Monday reiterated its call for free movement of Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control without making the process cumbersome for them in the aftermath of the October 8 earthquake of catastrophic magnitude.
“Kashmiris on both sides should be allowed to cross the LoC without any hindrance or cumbersome procedures,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said while responding to questions at a weekly news briefing here.
When Ms Aslam’s attention was drawn to the fact that there were no foot-crossing from either side on the one point that had been opened on Monday, her explanation was that owing to widespread devastation caused by the earthquake it took time for information and procedures involved in the crossings to trickle down. She said quite a few Kashmiris had gathered at the point to cross to the other side, not realizing that travel documents were required.
Replying to a question she was quick to point out that Pakistan in the spirit of facilitating swift interaction between the Kashmiris in this difficult time had proposed simpler form of identification. However, she maintained that India had reservations about it.
Replying to a related question, she asserted: “There is no hindrance from Pakistan side.” Stating that another two points along the LoC would be opened this week by India, she made it clear that as far as Pakistan was concerned it had all the five crossing points ready as per the October 29 agreement reached between the two countries.
The delay in opening all five points was caused because India could not complete logistical arrangements, the spokesperson told a questioner.
Responding to a question, she said Pakistan had not received a list from the Indian side of people wishing to enter Azad Kashmir. However, she assured that Pakistan would move on it fast the moment it received a list.
The FO spokesperson made it clear that the facility was meant only for the Kashmiris and not for Pakistan or India nationals.
DOUBLE STANDARDS: To a question regarding President Musharraf’s criticism of the double standards of the international community in terms of assistance it was extending to Pakistan, Ms Aslam maintained that the president had not used the word double standards.
“The president had merely drawn a comparison with international response to the tsunami disaster and his statement was more in context of pledges not translating into actual transfers,” she said.
CONDEMNATION: Responding to a question on the objectionable cartoons that appeared in a section of the Danish media last week, Ms Aslam said Pakistan strongly condemned the act. “It was totally uncalled for and an insult to Muslims around the world.” “This act of Islamophobia also undermines our effort to bridge the gap between various civilizations and religions,” the spokesperson observed.
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