Islamabad, Jalil Abbas Jillani, the Caretaker Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has strongly condemned the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a move originally initiated by the Narendra Modi-led government. This development adds another layer to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan over the disputed region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Jalil Abbas Jillani, while addressing the media in Islamabad, articulated Pakistan’s official stance, categorically rejecting the Indian Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is recognized internationally as a disputed territory, with its final disposition to be determined in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Jillani stated that India lacks the authority to unilaterally decide the fate of the region against the will of its people and Pakistan.
Jillani further remarked that Pakistan does not recognize the supremacy of the Indian Constitution over Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing any process subordinate to it as legally insignificant. He criticized the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict as a distortion of history and law, labeling it a travesty of justice. The Foreign Minister argued that the verdict fails to acknowledge the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir and does not reflect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, describing it as indicative of a judiciary compliant with India’s ruling party.
He also addressed the issue of human rights in the region, stating that the judgment cannot detract from the international community’s focus on human rights violations in IIOJK. Jillani underscored that India’s actions since August 5, 2019, including attempts to change the demographic and political landscape of IIOJK, are in stark violation of international law and UN resolutions.
Concluding his statement, Jillani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people in their quest for self-determination and called for the rescinding of India’s measures in IIOJK to facilitate peace and dialogue.