Modi crossed ‘red line’ by talking about Balochistan, says Pakistan | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Modi crossed ‘red line’ by talking about Balochistan, says Pakistan

ByPTI, Islamabad
Aug 18, 2016 04:33 PM IST

Pakistan said on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed the “red line” by talking about Balochistan and added that it will “forcefully” raise the Kashmir issue at a UN General Assembly session next month.

Pakistan said on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed the “red line” by talking about Balochistan and added that it will “forcefully” raise the Kashmir issue at a UN General Assembly session next month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi.(Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi.(Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

“The Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) strongly pleaded the case of Kashmir during general assembly session last year and we will again forcefully raise the issue,” Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Zakaria, in his weekly news briefing, also took strong exception to the remarks by Prime Minister Modi on Balochistan.

Modi had brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Balochistan and PoK in his Independence Day speech.

Read: Modi targets Pak rights abuse in Balochistan, PoK on Independence Day

“It is the violation of the UN Charter...He (Modi) crossed the red line by talking about Balochistan,” Zakaria said.

He alleged that India was involved in subversive activities in Balochistan and Karachi. Zakaria also said India was referring to Balochistan to cover up its alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.

Zakaria said Sharif will lead an official delegation at the General Assembly session. He said the UN Secretary General and most of the UN members had already been informed about the “precarious situation” in Kashmir.

The remarks come after a spike in tensions between the two sides over weeks of street protests in Kashmir following the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani by security forces. At least 60 people have died in those protests. A spate of militants attacks on Indian forces has followed.

Last week, Pakistan offered to hold talks on Kashmir but New Delhi had rejected those, saying it was willing only to discuss cross-border militant attacks on India.

“Pakistan strongly condemns the continuing use of force by India and violation of human rights,” Zakaria said.

Asked about Indian taking action against Amnesty International, he said it showed how India was treating the issue of human rights in Kashmir.

Read: India willing to talk to Pak, but on cross-border terrorism in Kashmir

Zakaria said Pakistan had proposed to India to hold talks on Kashmir. However, he refused to confirm if India had responded to the proposal.

When asked about any conditions India had put before them for starting a dialogue process, the spokesperson said Pakistan proposed that Kashmir should be the focus of the talks.

Sources said New Delhi had ruled out talks solely focused on Kashmir. Instead, New Delhi wants talks to focus on cross-border militancy which it says is the reason behind the spike in violence in Kashmir.

Zakaria also said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was aimed at economic development of not only Pakistan and China but the entire region. He said India’s objection to such a project was beyond comprehension.

Zakaria said Pakistan had invited finance ministers of SAARC countries for the next week meeting but so far was waiting for confirmation on Arun Jaitley’s participation.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On