We will stand with Kashmiris even if world doesn’t: Imran

Tariq Butt

On his return from New York on Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that no matter whether the world is standing by the Kashmiris or not Pakistan is with them in their struggle of freedom.

He and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi returned to Islamabad after wrapping up their trip to the United States to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

A large number of party workers and supporters gathered at the Islamabad International Airport to welcome the premier. Banners and posters, some praising Imran and others highlighting the plight of Kashmiris who remain under an India-imposed lockdown, were put up at the airport and on the main thoroughfares.

Loud cheers could be heard as the prime minister made his way to the main hall to speak to the people.

“First of all, I thank my nation. The way you prayed for me, for us, to be able to present Kashmir’s case before the UN,” the prime minister said. “I especially thank Bushra Bibi [his wife] because she prayed a lot for us.”

He asked the people to remember that Pakistan is standing with Kashmir. “We are standing by the Kashmiri because we want to please Allah.”

Speaking of the lockdown which has been in place since August 5 in occupied Kashmir, Khan said India has trapped eight million people under a curfew. “I want to remind you that a struggle goes through highs and low. There are good times and bad times but don’t worry. Because Kashmiris are looking towards you, and God willing, they will win, they will get independence.”

“All Kashmiris, their women and children, are looking to Pakistan and its people. We will expose this fascist Modi’s government, this Muslim hating government, on every platform. I’ve said this before to you,” said Prime Minister Imran: effort is made by man, success is given by God.”

Senior Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders welcomed the premier and Qureshi. Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Asad Umar and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail were present on the occasion.

Ahead of his arrival, Dr Awan announced that members of the party and leaders would give a grand reception to the premier.

Earlier, senior PTI leader Jehangir Tareen called on people to give Khan a “hero’s welcome”, saying: “the prime minister fought Kashmir case like a true hero. His unequivocal speech at the UNGA helped transform Pakistan’s image globally.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif declared on Sunday that the government and opposition were united like a rock on the Kashmir issue and warned the world against “fascist Modi.”

Taking to Twitter, he said: “When it comes to occupied Kashmir, we, the government and opposition, are united like a rock, and unwavering in our moral, diplomatic and political support to the oppressed Kashmiris. Mr Modi must make no mistake about it!” His remarks come two days after Imran, in his speech to the UNGA, highlighted the human rights abuses by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.

In another tweet, Shahbaz said that Pakistan is a “responsible nuclear state” and that the country’s contributions to maintain world people were “well documented.” He also highlighted Pakistan army’s successful efforts in eliminating terror groups from different parts of the country.

“Pakistan’s contributions to world peace are well-documented. We have been one of the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions. Our armed forces have fought valiantly against terrorists. We are a responsible nuclear state. The world must beware of fascist Modi,” Sharif said.

A day earlier, senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that the opposition was ready to cooperate with the government on the Kashmir issue, and there are no two opinions about it.