Pakistan slams India over restrictions on Eid-ul Adha prayers in IoK

Pakistan has strongly condemned the restrictions imposed by Indian authorities on Eid-ul Adha congregational prayers in occupied Kashmir, said the Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui on Thursday.

In a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, the FO spokesperson said that the restrictions on one of the most important religious congregations depict disrespect for the religious sentiments of Muslims.

Urging the international community, the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to take notice of the violation of religious and fundamental rights of Kashmiris, the FO official stated that the locals should get their freedom as per the international laws and conventions.

The FO spokesperson said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has always highlighted the bigoted policies of the Indian government and PM Narendra Modi, asking the global community to take action against them.

Arms race in South Asia

The FO spokesperson, in her statement, said that Pakistan has also urged the global community to discourage India from sparking an arms race by its continuous arms build-up.

She said that the recent reports have emerged of India acquiring its long-coveted Rafale jets for its air force, amassing military capabilities beyond its genuine security requirement.

Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted the risk of a disproportionate arms build-up in the region, causing strategic stability problems, she said.

“This arms buildup is being aided and abetted through a policy of exemptions, waivers and supply of advanced equipment, technology and weapons for narrow commercial interests,” she said.

Farooqui said that these transfers violate the various export control regimes meant to prevent destabilising accumulations of weapons in regions with pre-existing conflicts.

“On Pakistan's part, we remain open to consideration of measures for crisis management, risk reduction, and strategic restraint,” she mentioned.

In the same vein, the FO spokesperson warned that despite the developments, Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to threats and is confident of its ability to thwart any act of aggression.