News Analysis India

Tag: Kashmir

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For 'Freedom Of Kashmiris, Palestinians' In Victory Speech | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Addressing the National Assembly after being picked as the next prime minister of the ruling coalition of the PML(N), PPP and other small outfits, Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called out the 'global silence' on the prevailing situation in Gaza while seeking a bipartisan resolution in the House advocating 'freedom' for Kashmiris and Palestinians, Dawn reported.

    “Let's all come together…and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians,” PM-designate Shehbaz said in a 'victory speech' at the Assembly. The Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th elected Prime Minister of the country, during a session that started with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members creating a ruckus by shouting slogans.

    The PM-designate stated further that amid the severe economic downturn in the country and livelihood concerns of the people, even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money, Dawn reported. He replied that the biggest challenge for Pakistan was that “all of the expenditure was being met via loans only”, the report noted.

    “All of these (expenses for running the House) is being met via loans over the last few years. This is the biggest challenge faced by the country today,” he said. “All of our salaries are being paid via taxes. Does such a situation warrant such hooliganism?” he added, in a veiled dig at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other rival voices who have been contesting the results of the February 8 general elections.

    He also rued the debt crisis that the country is grappling with, Dawn added in its report. Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party leadership decided to go to the Parliament despite its reservations over the poll outcome in the country.

    Despite its decision to participate in the session of the newly elected National Assembly, Rehman said his party's original position to reject the 2024 elections was being proven right. “In the history of Pakistan, we used to think that 2018 was the biggest rigging that took place in the general election, however, 2024 has broken that record,” Rehman said in Karachi.

  • Army Promotes Winter Sports In Kashmir’s Gurez Valley, Locals Hope For Tourism Boost |

    Srinagar: Kashmir is on its way to becoming an international destination for winter sports, as the Indian Army is encouraging the locals to participate in various activities in the snow-covered regions. Apart from the famous ski resort of Gulmarg, which is known for its slopes and powder snow, the army is also promoting winter sports in areas close to the Line of Control. One such area is the Gurez valley in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, where the army has started ski training for the youth.

    The Gurez valley remains isolated for months from the rest of Kashmir and the country due to heavy snowfall. But this has not deterred the enthusiasm of the locals, who have welcomed the initiative of the Indian Army and the Sports Council to organize winter sports events in the region. The army conducted a ski training workshop for the young people, where they explored the slopes of Gurez and learned the basic skills of skiing.

    The youth of Gurez were very grateful and happy to the Indian Army for arranging such events. They said that these events not only trained them, but also helped in promoting the region as a tourist attraction. They hoped that more and more people would visit the area and enjoy the natural beauty and the winter sports.

    Ajaz, a young skier from Gurez, said, “We are very thankful to the Indian Army and Youth Sports for organizing such an important ski course in the Gurez Valley. We learned the basic skills. The way ski and winter sports activities are done in Gulmarg, we should have the same in Gurez as well. We will learn these sports and represent our country.”

    The Indian Army also organized a snow cricket tournament in Gurez, which attracted many cricket lovers. They were delighted that they could play cricket in the snow, despite the freezing temperatures. The snow cricket tournament has become an annual event in Gurez, ever since it became popular two years ago, when the videos of the tournament went viral on social media. The international cricket players from across the world have praised and shared the photos of the tournament on their social media platforms. Gurez has received a lot of snow this year, which has blocked the roads connecting it to Srinagar.

    Abdul Rashid, a local from Gurez, said, “I am thankful to the Indian Army for organizing the tournament. It has been named as Gurez Premier League and the army has been working a lot for the children of Gurez. We are cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winters and they make sure to keep our children busy with sports activities. It’s great for the health of these children and keeps them away from drugs and other evils.”

    The Indian Army says that these winter sports activities are aimed to explore the local talent in the sport and develop the skills of the citizens to boost tourism and recreational opportunities in the region. They say that if proper infrastructure is provided to the untouched mountain slopes, which are ideal for skiing and snowboarding, then the day is not far when Kashmir will see a surge of international athletes and tourists, which will benefit the state and its people.

  • Kashmir’s Vistadome Train: A Swiss-Like Experience To Snow Cladded Valley |

    New Delhi: Indian Railways has launched a new gift for Kashmir, which has boosted the tourism industry in the valley. The railways has introduced a Vistadome train, which has a glass ceiling and offers a 360-degree view of the scenic surroundings. The train runs between Banihal and Baramulla, covering a distance of 135 km.

    The Vistadome train is an all-weather train, which can run smoothly in extreme winter or summer. The train passes through snow-capped mountains and green valleys, giving the passengers a glimpse of Switzerland. The train has been in the headlines for its unique features and design.

    Vistadome Train: Features, Facilities

    The Vistadome train has specially designed coaches, which have double-wide reclining seats that can rotate a full 360 degrees. The passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of their surroundings from the glass dome roof, the huge glass windows, and the observation lounge. The train also has automatic sliding doors, luggage rack, LED screens for entertainment, and a GPS-enabled information system.


    The train runs six days a week and is available to all. The fare for the train tickets is Rs 940 and it runs twice a day. The train has a capacity of 40 seats in each coach. The coaches are produced by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, estimated to cost around Rs 4 crore. The coaches are equipped with air conditioning to effectively manage the harsh cold of winter and scorching heat of summer in the valley.

    The train seats are equipped with trays like airplanes, allowing passengers to enjoy meals. They can also order light meals from the Indian Railways menu during the journey. The train also has a mini pantry and a bio-toilet facility.

    The Vistadome train has received a very good response from the tourists and the locals. Many tourists travel by car from Jammu and get down at Banihal so that they can travel from Banihal to Srinagar by the Vistadome train. They say that the train gives them a very good experience and a view of heaven.

    Railway employee Prabhat Kumar said, “We have received a very good response. A lot of tourists travel here and especially since there has been snow, we get to see a lot of tourists.” Passenger Hakumat Singh said, “It is a very good train, it is very enjoyable, it feels like heaven, it is a very good step for tourists.” Sunita said, “It feels like heaven, there are many sights to see.”

    Tourist Aditi said, “We have come to have this experience, it will be a very good experience, the view is very good, why go to Switzerland, stay here, this is to enjoy.” Satish tourist said, “This is very good, this tourist will be attracted a lot, this coach is very good, the view is like Switzerland.”

    Tourist Mohammad Zaheeruddin said, “It is very good that this glass train is there, we will be able to see the open valley. Indian Railways has taken a good step, we can enjoy Switzerland in our country.”

    The Vistadome train is a part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative, which aims to promote local products and services. The train is expected to attract more tourists and promote tourism in the area. The train is also a step towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The work on the rail link connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country is in the final stages. The day is not far when trains will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The introduction of Vistadome coaches is another step towards the developmental journey of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The Northern Railway had successfully completed a trial run of the Vistadome train from Budgam to Baramulla under the supervision of senior railway officials in July last year. The train was formally launched in January this year.

  • No more hartal calls from Islamabad can disrupt life in Srinagar: Jitendra Singh on G20 meet in Kashmir

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: A hartal call would be made from Islamabad calling for shops to be shut down in Kashmir every time a major event was scheduled in Srinagar, not very long ago. 

    Fortunately, that has become history, said Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh.

    “The youth in Kashmir has moved on from the days when life used to come to a standstill and they no longer want to be identified with the past when Islamabad used to sabotage any important events by making a hartal call which would lead to shops in Lal Chowk downing their shutters,’’ Dr Singh said. 

    He added that 61 delegates from 29 countries are presently in Kashmir experiencing the culture and environment.

    Nearly three decades have been lost to insurgency so the youth of India (50 per cent of the population is under 30) hasn’t seen Kashmir in films. With the resurgence of filmmakers returning to the valley there is bound to be more and more interest in bringing Kashmir back on 72 mm screens, said Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Apurva Chandra.

    The ongoing G20 Tourism Working group meeting has the objective of bringing the shooting of films in the Valley back on the manifold. Interestingly 370 films have sought permission to shoot in Kashmir – from across the country and the OTT platform is going to add to those numbers.

    Shahrukh Khan, Raj Kumar Hirani, and Karan Johar have been in Srinagar for shooting their films and the G20 meeting was attended by Ram Charan whose song ‘Nathu Nathu’ won an Oscar.

    “Kashmir is a place I have loved and cherished as I used to accompany my father (actor Chiranjeevi) for film shoots here and I would love to go back to shooting for films here. It is serene and beautiful,’’ said Ram Charan who besides being an actor is also a producer. He said in 2016 he shot for a film in SKICC (the venue of the ongoing G20 meet).

    Ram Charan enthralled the audience at the G20 meet when he and South Korean Ambassador to India Chang Jae-bok shook a leg together on stage on ‘Naatu Naatu’. 

    SRINAGAR: A hartal call would be made from Islamabad calling for shops to be shut down in Kashmir every time a major event was scheduled in Srinagar, not very long ago. 

    Fortunately, that has become history, said Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh.

    “The youth in Kashmir has moved on from the days when life used to come to a standstill and they no longer want to be identified with the past when Islamabad used to sabotage any important events by making a hartal call which would lead to shops in Lal Chowk downing their shutters,’’ Dr Singh said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He added that 61 delegates from 29 countries are presently in Kashmir experiencing the culture and environment.

    Nearly three decades have been lost to insurgency so the youth of India (50 per cent of the population is under 30) hasn’t seen Kashmir in films. With the resurgence of filmmakers returning to the valley there is bound to be more and more interest in bringing Kashmir back on 72 mm screens, said Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Apurva Chandra.

    The ongoing G20 Tourism Working group meeting has the objective of bringing the shooting of films in the Valley back on the manifold. Interestingly 370 films have sought permission to shoot in Kashmir – from across the country and the OTT platform is going to add to those numbers.

    Shahrukh Khan, Raj Kumar Hirani, and Karan Johar have been in Srinagar for shooting their films and the G20 meeting was attended by Ram Charan whose song ‘Nathu Nathu’ won an Oscar.

    “Kashmir is a place I have loved and cherished as I used to accompany my father (actor Chiranjeevi) for film shoots here and I would love to go back to shooting for films here. It is serene and beautiful,’’ said Ram Charan who besides being an actor is also a producer. He said in 2016 he shot for a film in SKICC (the venue of the ongoing G20 meet).

    Ram Charan enthralled the audience at the G20 meet when he and South Korean Ambassador to India Chang Jae-bok shook a leg together on stage on ‘Naatu Naatu’. 

  • J-K terror conspiracy case: NIA arrests JeM operative as part of its crackdown in Kashmir 

    By PTI

    Srinagar, May 21 (PTI) An operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, who was allegedly passing secret information about the movement of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested, an NIA official said on Sunday.

    The arrest of Mohd Ubaid Malik of north Kashmir’s Kupwara came amid a crackdown against conspiracies being hatched by terrorist organisations based across the border to destabilise India through terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

    “Malik was in constant touch with a Pakistan-based JeM commander.

    Investigations have revealed that he was passing on secret information, especially regarding the movement of troops and security forces, to the Pakistan-based commander,” the spokesperson said.

    The official said various incriminating documents showing his involvement in the furtherance of terror activities were recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest.

    The National Investigation Agency registered the terror conspiracy case suo motu on June 21 last year to unearth the conspiracies hatched by cadres and overground workers of various terrorist organisations on the directions of their commanders based in Pakistan, the spokesperson said.

    “It involves collection and distribution of huge consignments of narcotics, cash, weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including remote control-operated sticky/magnetic bombs,” the official said.

    The spokesperson said IEDs and explosives are often delivered from across the border using drones and are also being assembled locally in order to execute terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

    “The attacks are mainly targeted at minorities and security forces personnel,” the official said.

    The NIA said such conspiracies are being hatched both physically and in cyberspace with the overarching aim of disturbing peace and communal harmony, engaging in terrorist acts, and waging a war against the Government of India.

    Srinagar, May 21 (PTI) An operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, who was allegedly passing secret information about the movement of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested, an NIA official said on Sunday.

    The arrest of Mohd Ubaid Malik of north Kashmir’s Kupwara came amid a crackdown against conspiracies being hatched by terrorist organisations based across the border to destabilise India through terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

    “Malik was in constant touch with a Pakistan-based JeM commander.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Investigations have revealed that he was passing on secret information, especially regarding the movement of troops and security forces, to the Pakistan-based commander,” the spokesperson said.

    The official said various incriminating documents showing his involvement in the furtherance of terror activities were recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest.

    The National Investigation Agency registered the terror conspiracy case suo motu on June 21 last year to unearth the conspiracies hatched by cadres and overground workers of various terrorist organisations on the directions of their commanders based in Pakistan, the spokesperson said.

    “It involves collection and distribution of huge consignments of narcotics, cash, weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including remote control-operated sticky/magnetic bombs,” the official said.

    The spokesperson said IEDs and explosives are often delivered from across the border using drones and are also being assembled locally in order to execute terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

    “The attacks are mainly targeted at minorities and security forces personnel,” the official said.

    The NIA said such conspiracies are being hatched both physically and in cyberspace with the overarching aim of disturbing peace and communal harmony, engaging in terrorist acts, and waging a war against the Government of India.

  • Shocker: Man chops off woman’s body into pieces, buries it at different locations in Kashmir

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: In a shocking and bizarre incident, a man killed a 30-year-old woman by chopping off her head and cutting the body into pieces and burying the parts at different locations in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

    A police official said on March 8, one Tanveer Ahmad Khan of Soibug of central Kashmir’s Budgam district submitted an application to the Police that his 30-year-old sister has gone missing since March 7.

    The woman had left for the coaching classes from home on March 7 but didn’t return home in the evening.

    After lodging a missing report, police started an investigation into the case.

    “Police picked up several suspects including one Shabir Ahmad Wani R/O Mohandpora, Budgam.  During sustained questioning, Shabir confessed to his involvement in the abduction and murder of the missing woman,” a police official said.

    Shabir told the police that after killing her, he chopped off her head and cut the body into pieces. The accused is said to be a carpenter by profession.

    “After cutting her body into pieces, he buried the body parts at different locations in the neighbourhood,” the police official said.

    On his disclosure, the body parts of the victim have been recovered, he said. The medico-legal formalities are underway and further investigation is going on, he added.

    The shocking incident has caused outrage across the Valley with the people demanding awarding of stern punishment to the accused to prevent such incidents from happening.

    Earlier, in November last year, the country was shocked after a similar kind of incident had taken place in Delhi, where a man had brutally killed his live-in partner.

    Aftab Amin Poonawalla had killed his live-in partner Shraddha and chopped her into 35 pieces and scattered the body parts across Delhi.

    SRINAGAR: In a shocking and bizarre incident, a man killed a 30-year-old woman by chopping off her head and cutting the body into pieces and burying the parts at different locations in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

    A police official said on March 8, one Tanveer Ahmad Khan of Soibug of central Kashmir’s Budgam district submitted an application to the Police that his 30-year-old sister has gone missing since March 7.

    The woman had left for the coaching classes from home on March 7 but didn’t return home in the evening.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    After lodging a missing report, police started an investigation into the case.

    “Police picked up several suspects including one Shabir Ahmad Wani R/O Mohandpora, Budgam.  During sustained questioning, Shabir confessed to his involvement in the abduction and murder of the missing woman,” a police official said.

    Shabir told the police that after killing her, he chopped off her head and cut the body into pieces. The accused is said to be a carpenter by profession.

    “After cutting her body into pieces, he buried the body parts at different locations in the neighbourhood,” the police official said.

    On his disclosure, the body parts of the victim have been recovered, he said. The medico-legal formalities are underway and further investigation is going on, he added.

    The shocking incident has caused outrage across the Valley with the people demanding awarding of stern punishment to the accused to prevent such incidents from happening.

    Earlier, in November last year, the country was shocked after a similar kind of incident had taken place in Delhi, where a man had brutally killed his live-in partner.

    Aftab Amin Poonawalla had killed his live-in partner Shraddha and chopped her into 35 pieces and scattered the body parts across Delhi.

  • Release our salaries, don’t force us to return to Kashmir: Pandit employees to Govt

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: The striking PM package Pandit employees have asked the government to release their pending salaries in view of the festival of Maha Shivratri. They have also requested to not force them to return to Kashmir due to security concerns.

    “Our salaries have been withheld for the last few months. The government should release our pending salaries on Maha Shivratri,” said Rubon Saproo, president of All Migrant Displaced Employees Association Kashmir.

    The Maha Shivratri will be observed on February 18.

    The administration recently directed officials to release the salary of the PM package Pandit employees, who have resumed their duties in Valley.

    Saproo said the government should not attach any conditions on the release of their pending salaries. “The administration should ensure that all PM package employees get their salaries so that they can celebrate Maha Shivrati as per their cultural and religious traditions.”

    About 5000 PM package Pandit employees had gone on strike since May 12 last year after the killing of a Pandit employee Rahul Bhat by militants at his office in central Kashmir. Most of the PM package employees left the Valley after the killing and are staging near-daily protests in Jammu. However, many of them have returned to the Valley to resume their duties.

    The Pandit employees had planned a protest demonstration at Press Club, Jammu yesterday but the administration imposed Section 144 around the area to foil protests.  

    Later, the Pandit employees held a protest near the BJP office in Jammu.

    “The government should release our salaries. It should not force us to resume our duties in the Valley. We don’t feel secure in Kashmir due to continued target killings,” said Saproo.

    He urged the government to come up with a proper plan for the safety, security and rehabilitation of Pandit employees.  

    Saproo further added, “We don’t want to serve in the Valley due to security concerns and the government should relocate us to Jammu temporarily. They can attach us with the Relief and Rehabilitation office in Jammu.”

    The striking PM package employees are demanding relocation to Jammu in view of targeted killings by militants in Valley last year.

    SRINAGAR: The striking PM package Pandit employees have asked the government to release their pending salaries in view of the festival of Maha Shivratri. They have also requested to not force them to return to Kashmir due to security concerns.

    “Our salaries have been withheld for the last few months. The government should release our pending salaries on Maha Shivratri,” said Rubon Saproo, president of All Migrant Displaced Employees Association Kashmir.

    The Maha Shivratri will be observed on February 18.

    The administration recently directed officials to release the salary of the PM package Pandit employees, who have resumed their duties in Valley.

    Saproo said the government should not attach any conditions on the release of their pending salaries. “The administration should ensure that all PM package employees get their salaries so that they can celebrate Maha Shivrati as per their cultural and religious traditions.”

    About 5000 PM package Pandit employees had gone on strike since May 12 last year after the killing of a Pandit employee Rahul Bhat by militants at his office in central Kashmir. Most of the PM package employees left the Valley after the killing and are staging near-daily protests in Jammu. However, many of them have returned to the Valley to resume their duties.

    The Pandit employees had planned a protest demonstration at Press Club, Jammu yesterday but the administration imposed Section 144 around the area to foil protests.  

    Later, the Pandit employees held a protest near the BJP office in Jammu.

    “The government should release our salaries. It should not force us to resume our duties in the Valley. We don’t feel secure in Kashmir due to continued target killings,” said Saproo.

    He urged the government to come up with a proper plan for the safety, security and rehabilitation of Pandit employees.  

    Saproo further added, “We don’t want to serve in the Valley due to security concerns and the government should relocate us to Jammu temporarily. They can attach us with the Relief and Rehabilitation office in Jammu.”

    The striking PM package employees are demanding relocation to Jammu in view of targeted killings by militants in Valley last year.

  • Greater onus on Modi to bring peace: Pak ex-foreign minister

    Express News Service

    Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in his 2015 book, Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove, had claimed that India and Pakistan nearly reached a path-breaking formula on Kashmir through back channel negotiations from 2004-07. Kasuri spoke to Preetha Nair about current Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for peace talks with India and more.

    Edited excerpts:

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s interview calling for peace talks with India has created a flutter. Doable or wishful thinking?I welcome any statements from India or Pakistan, which speak of improved relations. I am aware of the various factors and impediments on both sides. From my experience, given the political will on both sides, these can be overcome. I believe all problems and disputes between the two countries can be resolved, including Kashmir. Given the nature of the problems of both countries, there are too many actors looking for an opportunity at any time to rock the boat.So, my suggestion is that first talks should be conducted on the back channel so that neither party tries to make political capital through self-serving leaks. During our time, we almost agreed on the settlement framework of J&K. At that time also, the basic framework was discussed on the back channel so that spoilers got very little opportunity to poison the atmosphere.

    After the interview, there was a clarification by Pakistan PMO that dialogues can take place only after the reversal of the decision taken on J&K.The prevailing political polarisation in Pakistan may have necessitated this. The Pakistani PM was criticised roundly by the Opposition for that statement. I faced a similar situation when I was foreign minister but I refused to budge. Everybody is trying to make political capital out of anything the other party says. It doesn’t mean one should give up in despair. We can’t change the situation in India or in Pakistan. We have to learn to live with those realities and still be clear about the ultimate objective – peace.

    Pak PM also said that the country has learned lessons from three wars.First a correction. There were four wars, the last being at Kargil in 1999. Second, the sentence could have been better phrased. PM talks of both Pakistan and India and not just Pakistan when he talks of ‘learned lessons’. But your own question implies that only Pakistan is learning from its mistakes and that India need not.

    India, in response to Pak PM said that it wants a normalised atmosphere free from terror and violence. Your comments.It’s a chicken and egg situation. My advice would be to start something on the back channel. Recent ceasefire was also a result of back channel talks – though at military to military level in 2018 when the two DGMOs held talks. It could not have come out of the blue or without the blessings of the political masters in Delhi and Islamabad.

    Khurshid Mahmud KasuriFormer Pakistan Foreign MinisterIt’s still a deadlock as both countries don’t have high commissioners in place, no trade ties, and virtually a freeze on movement. If a beginning is to be made, don’t you think the two sides should focus on the resumption of trade and upgrading of diplomatic ties?Yes, I agree. In fact, a very strange thing happened in Pakistan during PM Imran Khan’s tenure. One day the government agreed to open trade, and the next day, they reversed the decision just as you’re referring to PM Sharif’s statement. Let me say one thing clearly, Prime Minister Modi bears greater responsibility in promoting regional peace since he is currently the master of everything in India, which includes politics, the media, the judiciary, and the economy. That’s not the case in Pakistan where Pakistan PMs have to keep on juggling the ball to satisfy conflicting constituencies. The greater responsibility thus falls on PM Modi to make efforts for peace in South Asia.

    Recently, Pak journalist Hamid Mir claimed that PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pakistan in April 2021 and resume trade ties on condition that they will freeze the Kashmir issue for 20 years or so. He said that back channel talks were conducted by former army chief Bajwa. But then PM Khan backed out fearing political backlash.It’s quite clear that the articles were based on information directly supplied by General Bajwa.

    Mir also said that General Bajwa conducted the back channel talks with India without the knowledge of Imran Khan.I have no means to confirm this. On a lighter note though, let me say that the two foreign offices are normally not the greatest peacemakers – so it’s not a bad thing if they weren’t aware.

    Modi visited Lahore in 2015 during Nawaz Sharif’s time. Now that his party is in power, do you think it’s another opportunity for both countries?Based on Hamid Mir’s conversations with General Bajwa, it appears that PM Modi was supposed to visit Pakistan in 2021. If true, it only proves my point that things can change quite dramatically and in a jiffy. We don’t have to lose hope. However, the voices in India, which used to speak of peace with Pakistan are not being heard much. The media, particularly electronic media, is jingoistic.

    Pak PM also suggested involving UAE in the talks.UAE is a good interlocutor and it is considered as a very close friend of Pakistan. And it’s a close economic partner of India too. So I think they are in a position to play a role.

    Don’t you think back channel talks need to be accompanied by a broader political process?Of course. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two countries are very troubled. Back channel talks cannot help in creating an enabling environment for peace because by its very nature, it has to be secretive.Unless public opinion on both sides is in favour of improved relations and dialogue, nothing will fly. … India is a democratic country and I believe that it cannot live with a situation in which it is perceived to be constantly keeping Kashmiris down by force. This just cannot last and it is in India’s own interest to resolve these issues.

    Do you suggest India pick up from where you left? Your book said that India agreed to a four-point formula to resolve the Kashmir issue.That is the wisest thing to do. It doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Current rulers must take ownership. After all, the so-called four-point formula rests on something eminently sensible, a solution that is acceptable to Kashmiris and of course, the governments and people of Pakistan and India.

    How will the sharpening India-China competition play out in the ties between India and Pakistan?I hope that this does not impact the relations negatively but my fear is that it may well, unless handled prudently.

    Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in his 2015 book, Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove, had claimed that India and Pakistan nearly reached a path-breaking formula on Kashmir through back channel negotiations from 2004-07. Kasuri spoke to Preetha Nair about current Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for peace talks with India and more.

    Edited excerpts:

    Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s interview calling for peace talks with India has created a flutter. Doable or wishful thinking?
    I welcome any statements from India or Pakistan, which speak of improved relations. I am aware of the various factors and impediments on both sides. From my experience, given the political will on both sides, these can be overcome. I believe all problems and disputes between the two countries can be resolved, including Kashmir. Given the nature of the problems of both countries, there are too many actors looking for an opportunity at any time to rock the boat.So, my suggestion is that first talks should be conducted on the back channel so that neither party tries to make political capital through self-serving leaks. During our time, we almost agreed on the settlement framework of J&K. At that time also, the basic framework was discussed on the back channel so that spoilers got very little opportunity to poison the atmosphere.

    After the interview, there was a clarification by Pakistan PMO that dialogues can take place only after the reversal of the decision taken on J&K.
    The prevailing political polarisation in Pakistan may have necessitated this. The Pakistani PM was criticised roundly by the Opposition for that statement. I faced a similar situation when I was foreign minister but I refused to budge. Everybody is trying to make political capital out of anything the other party says. It doesn’t mean one should give up in despair. We can’t change the situation in India or in Pakistan. We have to learn to live with those realities and still be clear about the ultimate objective – peace.

    Pak PM also said that the country has learned lessons from three wars.
    First a correction. There were four wars, the last being at Kargil in 1999. Second, the sentence could have been better phrased. PM talks of both Pakistan and India and not just Pakistan when he talks of ‘learned lessons’. But your own question implies that only Pakistan is learning from its mistakes and that India need not.

    India, in response to Pak PM said that it wants a normalised atmosphere free from terror and violence. Your comments.
    It’s a chicken and egg situation. My advice would be to start something on the back channel. Recent ceasefire was also a result of back channel talks – though at military to military level in 2018 when the two DGMOs held talks. It could not have come out of the blue or without the blessings of the political masters in Delhi and Islamabad.

    Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri
    Former Pakistan Foreign MinisterIt’s still a deadlock as both countries don’t have high commissioners in place, no trade ties, and virtually a freeze on movement. If a beginning is to be made, don’t you think the two sides should focus on the resumption of trade and upgrading of diplomatic ties?
    Yes, I agree. In fact, a very strange thing happened in Pakistan during PM Imran Khan’s tenure. One day the government agreed to open trade, and the next day, they reversed the decision just as you’re referring to PM Sharif’s statement. Let me say one thing clearly, Prime Minister Modi bears greater responsibility in promoting regional peace since he is currently the master of everything in India, which includes politics, the media, the judiciary, and the economy. That’s not the case in Pakistan where Pakistan PMs have to keep on juggling the ball to satisfy conflicting constituencies. The greater responsibility thus falls on PM Modi to make efforts for peace in South Asia.

    Recently, Pak journalist Hamid Mir claimed that PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pakistan in April 2021 and resume trade ties on condition that they will freeze the Kashmir issue for 20 years or so. He said that back channel talks were conducted by former army chief Bajwa. But then PM Khan backed out fearing political backlash.
    It’s quite clear that the articles were based on information directly supplied by General Bajwa.

    Mir also said that General Bajwa conducted the back channel talks with India without the knowledge of Imran Khan.
    I have no means to confirm this. On a lighter note though, let me say that the two foreign offices are normally not the greatest peacemakers – so it’s not a bad thing if they weren’t aware.

    Modi visited Lahore in 2015 during Nawaz Sharif’s time. Now that his party is in power, do you think it’s another opportunity for both countries?
    Based on Hamid Mir’s conversations with General Bajwa, it appears that PM Modi was supposed to visit Pakistan in 2021. If true, it only proves my point that things can change quite dramatically and in a jiffy. We don’t have to lose hope. However, the voices in India, which used to speak of peace with Pakistan are not being heard much. The media, particularly electronic media, is jingoistic.

    Pak PM also suggested involving UAE in the talks.
    UAE is a good interlocutor and it is considered as a very close friend of Pakistan. And it’s a close economic partner of India too. So I think they are in a position to play a role.

    Don’t you think back channel talks need to be accompanied by a broader political process?
    Of course. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two countries are very troubled. Back channel talks cannot help in creating an enabling environment for peace because by its very nature, it has to be secretive.
    Unless public opinion on both sides is in favour of improved relations and dialogue, nothing will fly. … India is a democratic country and I believe that it cannot live with a situation in which it is perceived to be constantly keeping Kashmiris down by force. This just cannot last and it is in India’s own interest to resolve these issues.

    Do you suggest India pick up from where you left? Your book said that India agreed to a four-point formula to resolve the Kashmir issue.
    That is the wisest thing to do. It doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Current rulers must take ownership. After all, the so-called four-point formula rests on something eminently sensible, a solution that is acceptable to Kashmiris and of course, the governments and people of Pakistan and India.

    How will the sharpening India-China competition play out in the ties between India and Pakistan?
    I hope that this does not impact the relations negatively but my fear is that it may well, unless handled prudently.

  • International Border in Jammu frontier incident free, safe: BSF IG

    Drone activity has also largely decreased in Jammu and the majority of weapons and other materials dropped from unmanned aerial vehicles have also been recovered, said BSF Inspector General.

  • India rebukes Pak for raising Kashmir issue in UN assenbly

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  India has rebuked Pakistan for raking up the issue of Kashmir in the United Nations General Assembly. “Pakistan’s desperate attempts to peddle falsehoods and bad habit of abusing the sanctity of multilateral forums deserves collective contempt and perhaps some sympathy as well,” said Pratik Mathur, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Headquarters.

    Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, he said. Meanwhile, after the UNGA opened its annual debate on Security Council reforms, speakers once again renewed their appeals for enlarging the 15-member organisation and updating its working methods to make it more transparent, inclusive, representative, accountable and effective.

    India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj spoke on behalf of the Group of Four, which also comprises Brazil, Germany and Japan. “Representation is an inescapable precondition for legitimacy and effectiveness and the longer Security Council reform is stalled, the greater would be its deficiency in representation,” said Kamboj.

    She voiced her regret over the lack of substantive work after four decades on equitable representation. The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward at UNGA backed permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan and Brazil at the UNSC. “We support the creation of new permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, as well as permanent African representation on the UNSC,” said Ambassador Woodward.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan has made a strong case against creating new permanent seats on the UN Security Council, saying instead an increase in the number of non-permanent members would make the 15-member body more representative, democratic and effective.

    NEW DELHI:  India has rebuked Pakistan for raking up the issue of Kashmir in the United Nations General Assembly. “Pakistan’s desperate attempts to peddle falsehoods and bad habit of abusing the sanctity of multilateral forums deserves collective contempt and perhaps some sympathy as well,” said Pratik Mathur, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Headquarters.

    Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, he said. Meanwhile, after the UNGA opened its annual debate on Security Council reforms, speakers once again renewed their appeals for enlarging the 15-member organisation and updating its working methods to make it more transparent, inclusive, representative, accountable and effective.

    India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj spoke on behalf of the Group of Four, which also comprises Brazil, Germany and Japan. “Representation is an inescapable precondition for legitimacy and effectiveness and the longer Security Council reform is stalled, the greater would be its deficiency in representation,” said Kamboj.

    She voiced her regret over the lack of substantive work after four decades on equitable representation. The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward at UNGA backed permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan and Brazil at the UNSC. “We support the creation of new permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, as well as permanent African representation on the UNSC,” said Ambassador Woodward.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan has made a strong case against creating new permanent seats on the UN Security Council, saying instead an increase in the number of non-permanent members would make the 15-member body more representative, democratic and effective.