Yesterday at a press conference held, on the 4th of August, the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, unveiled an entirely new political map of Pakistan which for the first time included the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of the territory.
The monumental ‘landmark move’ was commenced a day before ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ which is the one year anniversary marking India’s Illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister declared that this day is to highlight the significance of standing shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
“This is a historic day in Pakistan’s history,”
The new official map of Pakistan which includes the territories is set to be used in schools and colleges as ‘Pakistan has always considered Kashmir its part’. In addition to the new map and Youm-e-Istehsal, the Prime Minister has also emphasised that Pakistan will continue to remind the United Nations (UN) about it’s promise to the people of Kashmir who are still suffering.
Imran Khan has stated that the only solution to the dispute is through UN Resolution 39 which gave Kashmiris the right and choice to either join Pakistan or India.
Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, congratulated the premier and the country for this significant step, “For the first time in history our government has openly presented its stance before the world,” he said. The Foreign Minister further emphasised a need for a plebiscite to be held in the disputed territory, under supervision of the UN.
The Foreign Office has reacted to the news and given their response in turn.
“Pakistan’s position remains clear and unambiguous. The solution of
the Jammu and Kashmir dispute lies in the realisation of the
Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination through a free and
impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations. The
government, leadership and people of Pakistan remain firmly committed
to the solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the
relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the
Kashmiri people. The political map issued by Pakistan emphatically
reaffirms this abiding commitment,” the FO said.
Pakistan has made it clear that they stand with Kashmir in complete solidarity, supporting their Kashmiri brothers and sisters whole-heartedly.