Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Members of Parliament on Friday claimed that Pakistan’s foreign policy had totally failed diplomatically to raise the atrocities carried out by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir.

However, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz stated that the government had taken appropriate measures to raise the Kashmir cause at international forum, claiming that Pakistan had the potential to respond in befitting manner if India made any adventure.

The National Assembly suspended other agenda items and discussed a motion moved by Law and Justice and Climate Change Minister Zahid Hamid, in which he said, “This house may discuss the situation arising out of the Indian aggression on the Line of Control (LoC).”

Criticising the government, the opposition lawmakers said that the prime minister should take the House into confidence over the LoC situation, as innocent people were being killed by Indian forces. Keeping in view low attendance, the opposition legislators claimed that the attendance of ruling MPs showed “seriousness” of the government.

Tahira Aurangzeb said there should be no political point scoring on the issue, adding that there should be only one message from the parliament that India should immediately stop atrocities in Kashmir. Adviser Sartaj categorically stated that Pakistan would give a befitting response to Indian aggression. Winding up debate on LoC situation, he said that Pakistan was fully capable to defend country borders.

“We will not accept any Indian influence or hegemony under any circumstances,” eh said. He said the India’s attack on passenger bus and ambulance was the most regrettable incident contrary to all norms and principles. He said Pakistan had written letters to the foreign ministers of P-5 countries to apprise them about the Indian aggression on the civilians.

On the diplomatic front, the adviser said Pakistan was forcefully raising the Kashmir issue at all international forums, adding that the country would continue to support the Kashmiris right to self-determination which was totally indigenous in nature and led by the Kashmiri youth.

In his remarks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend every inch of the motherland. “We are fully capable to defend our waters, land and air frontiers.” He said that India was supporting terrorism in Pakistan for the last many years.