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The Foreign Office (FO) on Tuesday slammed the designation of supporters of the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists, terming it 'completely unjustified'.
The FO statement comes a day after the United States (US) State Department designated Hizbul Mujahideen's supreme commander Syed Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and imposed sanctions on him.
The decision drew criticism and condemnation from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), with Kashmiris chiding the US President Donald Trump's administration for "equating their legitimate struggle for internationally acknowledged right to self-determination with terrorism."
Explore: Kashmiri militant leader punished as Modi visits US
"The designation of individuals supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified," FO Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement without naming Salahuddin or the US.
The development surfaced hours ahead of a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
Read more: Trump, Modi call on Pakistan to stem terrorist attacks
The FO reiterated Pakistan's longstanding commitment to countering terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations", adding that the Kashmiri struggle "remains legitimate".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted "the gross and systematic violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people" in India-held Kashmir (IHK), saying that Indian security forces had intensified their "brutal policies of repression" in the region, including the use of pellet guns, extrajudicial killings, rape, use of human shields, arbitrary arrests, undocumented disappearances and other forms of violence and curbs to freedom.
Zakaria asserted that Pakistan would continue to extend "political, diplomatic and moral support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realisation of the right to self-determination and the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions."
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (105) Closed
Jun 27, 2017 06:14pm
Please try to understand the reality in neutral point of view, rather than blindly singing. You must know, international community never utter any word in favour of Kashmir. Because the militancy in one or another pretext engulfing entire world. Come on move with the world before getting isolated.
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Jun 27, 2017 06:16pm
Good statement by Govt of Pakistan. How Salaudin is dangerous for US, amazing and shows Trump's calibre.
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Jun 27, 2017 06:23pm
No matter how hard Modi tries to down play the freedom struggle in Kashmir with playing different tactics, as have been tried by earlier Indian administrations, he will not be able to ask The United States to deny the right of self determination to Kashmiris. India Failed miserably again. Kashmiris Muslims, are fighting for independence from India and will eventually be given the right by the world.
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Jun 27, 2017 06:33pm
Shame on America being a democratic state to support such atrocities on Kashmiris and calling a freedom supporters as terrorists. All just part of dirty games in this region.
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Jun 27, 2017 06:36pm
May be Pakistan needs to work on their foreign policy instead of blaming others.
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Jun 27, 2017 06:49pm
We should have expected this already. Pakistan should continue supporting Kashmir's right to self determination,
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Jun 27, 2017 07:05pm
I am sad at more and more divergent views between India and Pakistan and it appears that peace is going to be elusive for decades to come. There is no country that can force its views on either country neither for stoppage of support to militants or so called separatists nor for talks.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:05pm
Might is right. Right without might is wrong. On the international scene, there is no democracy, there is no justice. If you want justice, build your economy, become powerful by educating your workforce, expand your exports, and bring peace inside your own country. Then see how the rest of the world revolves around you.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:09pm
How could any of the freedom fighters in Indian militarily occupied and internationally disputed Kashmir,be declared a terrorist? Specially considering Kashmir is not an integral part of India !
This is sheer hypocrisy and dual standards on part of the US,when they train and arm militant groups in Syria to fight the government forces of that sovereign state and declare genuine freedom fighters in disputed territory Kashmir,as terrorist !
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Jun 27, 2017 07:18pm
Proxy war must come to an end
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Jun 27, 2017 07:21pm
When a criminal is supported in their crime, then the supporters become criminals as well. But in the end right will prevail and kashmir IOK will get their freedom from foreign indian invader.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:30pm
Thanks for standing and support against oppression and injustice.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:31pm
I would rather expect the Pakistan government to prioritize its economic and diplomatic revival... Such statements are nothing but feel good... Without substance and merit...
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Jun 27, 2017 07:36pm
There was a time when Prime Minister Modi was not allowed to come to United States because of his role in the Gujrat massacre of muslims. The world should recognize the right of self determination of Kashmiri people.Law is a weapon of policy. The United States makes such laws to advance its interests.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:47pm
Absolutely. But in international politics it's not the stand on just cause, it's the interest. US wants few crutches for India to stand against China, hence closing one eye on Kashmir and Pakistan. Though not fruitful for the region in the long term.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:48pm
To support a cause in a peaceful manner is fine but to go around killing innocents for that reason is wrong and those who support such acts are branded as terrorists.
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Jun 27, 2017 07:53pm
That was expected from these two leaders.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:02pm
India and USA ganging up against kashmiri people.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:06pm
Pakistan need to counter Modi-Trump nexus politically. Kashmir freedom movement need to be supported morally and politically. India can not stop genuine struggle for freedom from illegal occupation of Muslim land.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:08pm
Whats the problem? Just ignore it.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:17pm
A very good decision.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:19pm
100 percent true and right statement by the foreign office of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:20pm
This is a disastrous failure of Pakistan' foreign policy for which the total responsibility lies on PM's doorstep.He failed to find or did not want to find a qualified,dynamic foreign minister in a nation of over 200 million people full of talented intellectuals.Washington DC is swamped with pro Indian lobbyists and pro Indian legislators and we are missing in action.Our Foreign Minister(PM) spends time making trips to Saudi Arabia and checking his assets in London while our status amongst International community is going down the drain.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:32pm
There is nothing just or unjust for the American governments except their economic interests.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:39pm
These tactics will not effect arm struggle of Kashmiries instead those who arent fighting will join the freedom fighters.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:53pm
A few months ago Trump.offered .to play his role as mediator between India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir dispute. This abrupt change clearly estalishes our FO.failure A stich in time save nine. FO is not doing its job well. Sheer incompetent it is indeed.
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Jun 27, 2017 08:59pm
Call back the ambassador, suspend all cooperation and revisit the foreign policy with the US..!
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Jun 27, 2017 09:02pm
It is height of injustice on the part of US that it has shut eyes to the UN resolutions on plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, which was not a part of India and India's persistent refusal to agree to comply with the world body's decision. Kashmiris are struggling since 1947 to get their right of self determination to no avail.On the contrary US has backed the illegal break up legal parts of territories of Pakistan, Indonesia and Sudan respectively, all 3 of whom are Muslim countries, when after a few month's struggle of East Pakistan, East Temor and South Sudan won independence with its and its allies' support. Is it just? When will their conscience wake up?.
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Jun 27, 2017 09:04pm
Both Modi and Trump have same mind set, you can not expect something good from two evil minds.
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Jun 27, 2017 09:06pm
The world is isolating Pakistan on terrorism and our government is isolating JIT of panamagate.
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Jun 27, 2017 09:51pm
Arm struggle is always dangerous
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Jun 27, 2017 10:00pm
Pakistan's stand on Kashmir is humane thus noble. The people of Kashmir have made it repeatedly clear to the world that they desire freedom and do not want to live under continued Indian occupation. Their struggle for freedom deserves world attention and Pakistan should continue to highlight the issue diplomatically and politically. The factions in Kashmir which believe in armed resistance are damaging the credibility of their cause
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Jun 27, 2017 10:15pm
Pakistan should refrain from supporting terrorism
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Jun 27, 2017 10:29pm
High time for introspection as peaceful and qualitative life is expected by citizens from respective states
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Jun 27, 2017 10:32pm
Encouraging comments by Pakistan's foreign office. Legitimate Kashmiri struggle for can not be sabotaged by so called Trump-Modi nexus. Kashmiri freedom struggle shall continue and Kashmir shall be free soon.
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Jun 27, 2017 11:47pm
Pakistan have themselves to blame for this situation. They should continue to elect corrupt politicans who are more concerned about silver lining their pockets than the image of the country. Nothing can be done in the immediate future about kashmir - but if you really want to help kashmiri help yourselfs first.
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Jun 28, 2017 12:13am
We must stop discrimination of good and bad terrorists. Anyone who raised arms and killed innocent people is a terrorist irrespective of the intention. If we don't do that then we will see more terror activities in our backyard obly
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Jun 28, 2017 12:31am
World is so messed-up? If we are human beings why are we bent upon shedding blood of innocent people (those who comit acts of Terrorism) why can't they leave innocent people alone? Who can live in peace with the help of stalwart global leaders through diplomatic dialogues and give and take processes of negotiating acceptable settlements.Be it local, regional and/or global issues, so that sorting out this menace of global uneasiness could be solved by cooperating at global level. The humanity deserves a chance to live in peace. Where are the custodian world leaders of giant group of powerful countries.Can't we agree to bring global peace for all without putting unnecessary useless sanctions, economic and diplomatic, political pressures to meet our individual selfish means to gain cheap popularity. Even children's video games are better organized than as compared to world forum diplomatic wrangling' and war sabers rattling going on. Let's be human for a little while more. Can we do that?
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Jun 28, 2017 12:49am
Donal Trump & Narendra Modi are not NORMAL. The day is not far away when both of them will disturb regional peace.
This statement would result in intense skirmishes on both sides of LoC . Sad enough. Loss of human lives.
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Jun 28, 2017 01:07am
Mr zakriya please use a little bit stronger words than that. Please summon US ambassador to lodge protest. We cannot leave our kashmiri brothers alone in this insane ordeal.
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Jun 28, 2017 01:10am
this is happening all because of pathetic foreign policy of the govt
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Jun 28, 2017 01:10am
Anyone who kills destroys property breaks the law of the land is a terrorist
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Jun 28, 2017 01:16am
Was it Che Guevara who said that "One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist"? It seems that for the present US administration under Pres.Trump, the Indian perspectives weigh heavily and Pakistan and Kashmiri perspectives have no value at all Their hypocrisy stands exposed now and it seems certain that material investments and greed will be hallmarks of this American government It us high time Pakistan made a serious review of its own foreign policy regarding our relations with the USA.
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Jun 28, 2017 01:17am
Kudos to the FO.
Yes, there is terrorism in Kashmir, and yes the state-sponsored kind as well, it is the brutal occupation by the Indian army.
Acknowledging the dispute and working towards a negotiated settlement with the concerned stakeholders; Kashmiris, Pakistan and India is the only way forward.
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Jun 28, 2017 02:36am
Complete failure and incompetence of Nawaz Sharif has led to this. PMLN is such a coward that they are unable to even call the USA ambassador to the foreign office to lodge a protest.
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Jun 28, 2017 02:39am
The blame squarely rests on Pakistan for spoiling the freedom movement of Kashmiris.
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Jun 28, 2017 03:20am
The US State Department's statement carries immensely more weight than the Pakistani FO. As of now, it is the word of US that will be followed.
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Jun 28, 2017 03:29am
It is unjust for any person to use terrorism against innocent persons to achieve their goals.
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Jun 28, 2017 04:16am
The world is no longer buying Pakistan's concept of good terrorist and bad terrorist. Pakistan needs to wake up as these 'good terrorists' will soon burn the hand that feeds them.
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Jun 28, 2017 04:21am
Exactly correct Mr. Nafees. Unfortunately Trump is not educated on International relations and is clue less of what is going on in the world. His is making all kinds of controversial statements and even is staff has to go through all the pains to try to put a smiling face with corrections and explanations after the fact.I wish while he was at the so called Arab Islamic American summit, he was briefed by the hosts on the facts about Kashmir situation. Unfortunately with no effort on part of present government to take first initiatives at the summit we are facing this situation.
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Jun 28, 2017 05:02am
US is a country that supports Israel and its occupation of palestinians so what did we expect....for them strategic interests come before human rights...
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Jun 28, 2017 06:02am
Is kashmir falling of the global political radar. Is kashmir being recognized by global players a legitimate part of india. A sad day for pakistani diplomacy.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:12am
Irrespective of USA designating any one as terrorist the militancy is eating up Pakistan and billowing it the earlier to get rid of it the better it is.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:22am
Now the arrogant US has started to define what is right and what is wrong. The Kashmir problem is not because of the happening in today's world. It is the result of illegal occupation of a free people by the Indian forces since more than 7 decades. If you are not supporting the legitimate right of a people to be free, then you are no longer a super power but a super villain who can be bought with a few billion dollars. US you are exposing yourself as a liar and a bully. You should not be complaining of terrorism because you are the one supporting terrorists.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:31am
Every person has a right to freedom. What might be freedom struggle for some will be terrorism for the others. Stand fast Kashmiri brothers.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:55am
I do agree with my government stance regarding statement on Kashmir, because US gave this statement in favor of India and overruled UN resolution over Kashmir issue. This is what they do, because if we scan and dig down the history, you will find same policy because wherever their entrust liaise they would protect no mater what rest of the world think and UN always wearing glasses, see what is happening in Arab world. Our government should stick to the Kashmir policy and whoever give support to Indian over Pakistan we should stand with Kashmir. This is totally freedom struggle not a terrorism and Pakistani nation know what the terrorism means, because we lost many innocent people. Now time has comes Pakistan should redefine diplomatic relation with US, because they will go beyond this in future.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:56am
militancy has no place in todays information age. social media is enough to bring about lasting change and make governement reconsider their policies.. .. and it may happen at a much faster pace than what militancy had ever achieve in the last 50 years. In fact militancy does more harm than good because terrorism has made most peace loving people hate any form of violence... be it for a just cause.
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Jun 28, 2017 08:02am
Call it unjust or whatever; the world perception does not change except for maybe China
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Jun 28, 2017 08:08am
Modi is the greatest leader the world has seen. Kudos to him, I salute him.
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Jun 28, 2017 08:38am
Why India does not follow United batons security Council resolution if India and Trumped US both are considering international laws as way to solve problems.
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Jun 28, 2017 08:41am
And Afghan struggle against US occupation? Pakistan govt inconsistent stance just got exposed. Both are freedom fights
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Jun 28, 2017 08:41am
Why India does not follow United nations security Council resolution if India and Trumped US both are considering international laws as a way to solve problems and disputes.
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Jun 28, 2017 08:44am
A righteous and courageous statement.
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Jun 28, 2017 08:55am
Everyone fights for a cause. It is not the cause which makes one the terrorist. It is the method of fighting which makes one terrorist. A terrorist is someone who attacks the innocent crowd to kill them.
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Jun 28, 2017 09:14am
Injustice everywhere. What a sad 21st Century
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Jun 28, 2017 10:15am
I wonder where NS goes for this foreign trips? When Modi goes out he does something positive or negative and gets noticed one way or other. NS trips are just personal and not for the country, I believe.
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Jun 28, 2017 10:17am
This is a great and welcome move by USA
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Jun 28, 2017 10:28am
This is a great and welcome move by USA
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Jun 28, 2017 10:31am
It is our religious duity to help our Kashmiri brethren. Period!
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Jun 28, 2017 12:00pm
all telephone diplomacy of Tareq Fatemi and thinktank interactions of Aizaz Ahmed Choudhary have failed to create any dent of opinion in Trump administration
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Jun 28, 2017 12:07pm
U.S don't see the Indian atrocities in Kashmir where it has deployed two hundred thousand soldiers who have been killing innocent Kashmiris who are raising voice for freedom from Indian occupation. America is now becoming a third grade country void of truth, justice and dignity. So what it says and do no problem it does not carry any weight.
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Jun 28, 2017 12:46pm
Pakistan's FO is miles away from ground realities.
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Jun 28, 2017 12:47pm
Why such a timid rejoinder?
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Jun 28, 2017 01:12pm
Will Pakistan severe diplomatic relations with Donald Trumps' America?
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Jun 28, 2017 01:29pm
@Naresh kumar: Modi stands with great leader like Donald Trump hated and downtroaded by most other great World Leaders. Donald Trump is good at dividing people so is Modi building walls.
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Jun 28, 2017 02:04pm
I feel better Kashmiri's negotiate with India for better rights and better life in the form of non-violence like other states lodge the protests with center and in the parliment.
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Jun 28, 2017 02:10pm
@arif durrani who is in charge of the foreign policy? Please let the nation know who formulates it?
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Jun 28, 2017 02:13pm
@TM kashmir is a disputed region, therefore Indian law does not apply here . the dirty global game and the common us-indian strategic goals, has complicated the issue.
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Jun 28, 2017 02:30pm
@Akil Akhtar Same for pakistan or china or every one else
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Jun 28, 2017 02:42pm
@Amjad It is part of India therefore Indian law applies there.
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Jun 28, 2017 05:02pm
True statement. Unfortunately, Donald Trump & his cronies are weighing everything with their highly biased and prejudiced perspectives based on commercialism, contracts, money, assets and financial gains.
If Modi and his cronies have given billions of dollars worth of new contracts to the U.S. under the watch of the current administration in Washington D.C. during their recent visit, that does not warrant that the current "movers and shakers" in the U.S. capital should compromise the very principles of international laws based on U.N. charter wherein those who are carrying-out a just, fair and legitimate struggle for their inherent human rights including the right of self-determination are defined as "freedom-fighters" only.
Down with the raciest, prejudiced, illegal and unethical usage of the U.S. State Department's platform by Donald Trump & his cronies to promote and protect their vested interests.
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Jun 28, 2017 05:28pm
@saz Have you read the UN resolution? Read it.
If you are still not satisfied, read Shimla agreements too.
If still not satisfied, raise your concerns then.
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Jun 28, 2017 05:34pm
@Niaz Erfan read the plebiscite first.
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Jun 28, 2017 05:36pm
@Ali Please lighten me up with the UN resolution.
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Jun 28, 2017 06:22pm
Rather than looking Jammu Kashmir concentrate on CPEC and it's terms
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Jun 28, 2017 06:47pm
@Dil :
With your help ofcourse!
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Jun 28, 2017 06:50pm
@Niaz Erfan Kashmiris are possibly the only people in the world asking for `self determination' when they already have it. Their accession to India is on special terms. They have their own penal code and a government elected by them. They control everything in Kashmir except defence and foreign policy. And they get massive amounts of central assistance.If they still have grievances, they have brought it upon themselves. If they can rule themselves so shoddily as a state of India, I can imagine how they will rule themselves if the valley is freed.
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Jun 28, 2017 06:52pm
When did the land of Kashmir ever belong to Pakistan? People in Kashmir who want to stay in Pakistan can simply move there they have no right to the land.
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Jun 28, 2017 06:52pm
@ukz :
Believe it or not, a vast number of Kashmiris do not consider you their brothers!
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Jun 28, 2017 06:56pm
@saz :
Please take the trouble to carefully read the UN resolution before commenting.
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Jun 28, 2017 06:57pm
Anyone who takes up a gun and kills innocents is a terrorist.Can't believe that Pakistanis actually are speaking in support of such a guy! It is time for Pakistan to reflect on what kind of a society they have become. It is unbelievable to see ordinary citizens supporting people like Osama Bin Laden, Zawahiri, and others who kill, bomb and maim.
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Jun 28, 2017 06:58pm
@marcus Pakistan's elected representatives have no say in foreign policy. It's PA that calls the shots.
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Jun 28, 2017 07:02pm
@saz :
Please read the UN resolution before commenting!
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Jun 28, 2017 07:26pm
@Ali . Read the UN resolution. It calls for steps that Pakistan must take before other actions. One of this (actually the first step) is that Pakistan withdraws from parts of J&K that it occupied and after which the UN resolution was adopted. Has that happened?
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Jun 28, 2017 07:45pm
The foreign office of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is truly right. Unfortunately, Donald Trump & his cronies are weighing everything with their highly biased and prejudiced perspectives based on commercialism, contracts, money, assets and financial gains.
If Modi and his cronies have given billions of dollars worth of new contracts to the U.S. under the watch of the current administration in Washington D.C. during their recent visit, that does not warrant that the current "movers and shakers" in the U.S. capital should compromise the very principles of international laws based on U.N. charter wherein those who are carrying-out a just, fair and legitimate struggle for their inherent human rights including the right of self-determination are defined as "freedom-fighters" only.
Down with the raciest, prejudiced, illegal and unethical usage of the U.S. State Department's platform by Donald Trump & his cronies to promote and protect their vested interests.
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Jun 28, 2017 09:20pm
The problem with Pakistan is as much of its incompetent and corrupt leadership that is consistently being exposed on the global stage and is found to be no match to Modi's speed, scale, and skill of international diplomacy
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Jun 28, 2017 09:56pm
@Ali Read the UN resolution before you comment.
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Jun 28, 2017 11:29pm
@saz First read the resolution. I bet you will blame your own government.
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Jun 29, 2017 02:10am
Extremely unfortunate ! We are digging our selves really deep ! And deep and deep ! Heads must roll now , and those heads must be sane, if we want some respect .
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Jun 29, 2017 09:18am
@Anwar Innocent Kashmiri pelting stones at Army and Police to protect militants, let this happen in any other country, the fate of innocence will be known.
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Jun 30, 2017 12:48am
@ben it is Indian Occupied Kashmir and the Kashmiris living there raise the Pakistani Flag. So it is a part of Pakistan which is under occupation by India. It's better things are resolved without war or total destruction of the region.
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Jun 30, 2017 12:54am
@Balakrishnan Pakistan is a Muslim country and there are no signs of isolation, because there are nearly 60 Muslim Countries in the world. The International community is of the view that Kashmiri's have to be given the right of self determination. India has to accept this if it wants to see a peaceful future for itself and a peaceful region.
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Jun 30, 2017 01:12am
@Amrita No need for you to be enlighten, please read thru. The world already knows and that is the reason the Indians are very afraid of the end result. The United Nations resolutions are clear and India gets upset every time Pakistan raises the question of the self determination of Kashmiris and tells the world of the atrocities. The world also knows the region is nuclear and outcome will be disastrous if the Kashmir is not resolved.
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Jun 30, 2017 09:19am
@saz :Do some honest research--without blinders.
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Jun 30, 2017 12:43pm
Keep on writing about UN resolutions etc. Nothing is going to change. People will get killed on both sides but India will not be going anywhere. If they have dealt with this for nearly thirty years, they can deal with it some more. They are economically and militarily stronger than in 1989. Instead better off figuring out how to make the current dispensation work .
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