PAKISTAN’S bold move on Tuesday to take a group of foreign diplomats and international media to the Line of Control (LoC) fully exposed hollowness of claims by the Indian Army Chief about destruction of three so-called terror launching pads. General Bipin Rawat had boasted that his forces destroyed three terror launch pads in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a claim which was promptly rejected by Pakistan and Tuesday’s visit substantiated Islamabad’s position.
The remarks made by foreign diplomats and members of the international media after verification of the facts on the ground should serve as an eye-opener for civil and military leadership in New Delhi that is in the habit of taking frequent refuge behind terror allegations against Pakistan to justify India’s aggressive posture against its western neighbour. As Pakistan had nothing to hide, it even invited Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to accompany 20 other diplomats but he could not muster the courage to do so for obvious reason of dependence on falsehood. The prompt diplomatic manoeuvre of Pakistan has not only helped establish fictitious nature of Indian claims but also enabled diplomats and media-persons to witness firsthand intentional targeting of civilians and their properties, which is a routine by the Indian forces. The delegation was taken to Nauseri, Shahkot and Jura sectors along the LoC, including Nausada village, which suffered severe damage in attacks by Indian troops on the weekend. The interaction of local population with foreign diplomats and media-men also helped the visitors understand the gravity of the situation and dirty tactics being employed by Indian forces in pursuit of their aggressive designs. It may be noted that the visit was in addition to the freedom enjoyed by the UN Military Mission to visit any area on this side of the LoC, a confirmation of transparency of Pakistani stand. The offer made by Director-General ISPR General Asif Ghafoor to diplomats to stay in the region as long as they wish if they want to investigate further the claims about presence of terror camps was also appreciated by the delegation. As against this India is neither allowing UN nor international media or human rights organizations to visit on the other side of the LoC where a reign of terror has been unleashed against Kashmiris. We hope that Pakistan would continue right emphasis on relevant moves in a timely manner not just to expose India but also sensitize the international community about the need to resolve the longstanding issue of right to self-determination of Kashmiri people. Such emphasis has already started bearing fruit as evident from the position adopted by right minded leaders like President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, who is firmly standing by his remarks on Kashmir despite threats of palm oil boycott by India.
