By Pakistan strongly criticized India yesterday for suppressing Kashmiri rights and banning several Kashmiri political parties under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to uphold the ban, labeling it as part of India’s broader strategy to “subjugate the Kashmiri people, stifle dissent, and solidify its occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).” Baloch accused the Indian judiciary of endorsing repressive measures, recalling the Indian Supreme Court’s approval of actions that revoked Kashmir’s special status in 2019. She urged India to lift the ban on political parties, respect Kashmiri rights, release political prisoners, and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
Regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential attendance at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Pakistan, Baloch stated that Pakistan had invited all SCO member states but had not yet received official confirmation from India. She assured that Pakistan, as the host nation, is preparing to ensure the summit’s successful and secure execution in mid-October.
On the issue of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister suggesting direct talks with the Afghan government, Baloch emphasized that foreign policy decisions are under the federal government’s jurisdiction. She confirmed that any proposals from public figures would be evaluated by the federal government in Pakistan’s national interest.
Baloch also addressed the recent unprovoked attack on Pakistani check posts from across the Afghan border on September 7. She reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against such attacks and affirmed the country’s commitment to defending itself. She noted that there had been no new diplomatic communications regarding this incident. Additionally, Baloch highlighted a recent increase in Pakistan’s frozen orange juice exports to China as a positive development in economic cooperation with China.
