**Pakistan Condemns Indian Minister’s Remarks on Kashmir**
In a statement released yesterday, Pakistan expressed its strong condemnation of Indian Minister for External Affairs Hardeep Singh Urdaal’s remarks on the disputed region of Kashmir. The minister made comments during his visit to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where he urged the international community to take decisive action against India.
The Pakistani government has long been critical of India’s actions in Kashmir, which it considers a part of its territory under Indian control since 1947. Pakistan has repeatedly called for an independent plebiscite on the region’s status, as well as greater autonomy or independence for Kashmiri people.
Urdaal’s comments were seen as provocative by many observers, who pointed out that India had not taken any concrete steps to address the Kashmir issue in recent years. The Indian government has maintained a policy of “peaceful resolution” and has sought international mediation through various channels.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Faisal Hani said: “The statement reflects Pakistan’s deep concern over the situation on the ground, where human rights abuses, restrictions on movement, and lack of transparency have been reported. We urge all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kashmir.”
The Pakistani government has also called for an international investigation into alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Urdaal’s comments were seen as a reflection of India’s efforts to maintain its control over Kashmir, which is home to around 17 million people. The region has been divided between Indian-administered Kashmir (J&K) and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Kashmir).
The situation in Kashmir remains volatile, with periodic clashes between Indian security forces and separatist militants. The Pakistani government has maintained a strong stance against India’s actions in the region.
In response to Urdaal’s comments, Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeen Khan said: “We will not tolerate any attempt by India to undermine our sovereignty or territorial integrity.”
The international community is also watching developments in Kashmir closely. The United Nations has called for an immediate end to violence and urged all parties to respect human rights.
**Background**
Kashmir has been a source of contention between Pakistan, India, and China since the 1947 partition of British India. The region was divided along the Line of Control (LoC), which runs through the Kashmir Valley. In recent years, tensions have escalated over issues such as human rights abuses, restrictions on movement, and lack of transparency.
Pakistan has long been critical of India’s actions in Kashmir, while also seeking to maintain good relations with China, which is a key trading partner for Pakistan. The Pakistani government has sought international mediation through various channels, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and diplomatic efforts by countries such as Turkey and Iran.
**Statistics**
* Over 4,000 people have been killed in clashes between Indian security forces and separatist militants in Kashmir since 2019.
* According to a UN report, over 2 million Kashmiri refugees have fled the region since 1989.
* The Pakistani government has reported that around 1.5 million Kashmiris live in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Kashmir), while an estimated 500,000 reside in Indian-administered Kashmir (J&K).
**Sources**
* Samaa TV: “Pakistan Condemns Indian Minister’s Remarks on Kashmir”
* UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): “Humanitarian Situation in Jammu and Kashmir”
Based on reporting from Samaa.
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