Pakistan To Ape Indian Media Campaign On Kashmiri Pandits To Highlight Kashmir Lockdown

After the Indian media passionately highlighted the massacre and exodus of the minority Kashmiri Pandit community and KP organizations holding worldwide events, Pakistan has taken a cue from India and plans to highlight the what Islamabad terms as human rights violations in Kashmir. 

As per Dawn, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced the launch of a new campaign to counter the “deceptive” Indian narrative regarding on Jammu and Kashmir. “India is acting deceitfully. It is trying to create a false impression in the world suggesting that Pakistan is exaggerating the facts.

“They continue to say: ‘The ground realities are completely the opposite. Things have normalised’,” said Qureshi, addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

He said that India had also “put up an act or two” whereby they “arranged” a visit for MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) and took 14-15 envoys for a very limited visit to Srinagar where there was no free access provided to the region or an opportunity for interaction with the detained leadership of Kashmir.

Qureshi said that PM Khan has a very clear policy on truthfully shedding light on the plight of Kashmiris. “We will continue to raise the issue politically, morally, diplomatically until such time their right for self-determination is not granted.” “Keeping this in mind, the prime minister has decided to launch a robust information campaign.”

He said that various ministers — including Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed and Special Assistant to the PM for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan — have been tasked with the responsibility of once again spreading awareness about the issue among the people, especially the youth.

Qureshi reminded the media that 175 days have elapsed since the region has been under lockdown by Indian authorities. “This message is not just for Pakistanis but for those across the Line of Control who continue to remain under a communication lockdown.”

“Despite the Indian Supreme Court’s decision (declaring the internet shutdown unconstitutional), they have illegally suspended internet services,” he said. He said Pakistan wishes to let Kashmiris know that the people of the country continue to stand by them.

Qureshi said the country’s foreign missions will also participate in the drive to spread awareness of the ground realities in Jammu and Kashmir. “Active members of the Pakistani community, as well as Kashmiris, will be invited to participate in events,” said the foreign minister.

“They will be made aware of the facts surrounding Kashmir and Pakistan’s standpoint,” he said, adding that local publications will print articles in the regional languages so the general public is also informed of the ongoing human rights violations in the region.

He said it had also been decided that the AJK premier and president write letters to various heads of state, informing them of the situation in Kashmir and requesting them to intervene so the restrictions can be lifted. Similarly, the AJK speaker will reach out to speakers of various countries and parliamentarians so the message reaches them as well.

“We are planning to launch dramas and shows on the subject as well,” said Qureshi. The foreign minister also called on educational institutions to play their part in spreading awareness among the youth.

Via: Dawn