ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday once more referred to as on India to raise communication blockade on occupied Jammu and Kashmir and guarantee provides of important commodities within the valley to include the unfold of COVID-19 and mitigate the struggling of Kashmiris.
“We call upon the Indian government to lift the communication blackout. Especially in view of the outbreak of COVID-19 and reported cases of affected people in IOK, Pakistan urges India to lift the blockade in the region in order to obtain full information on affected people and provision of essential items and medical supplies to the affected people,” International Workplace Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui mentioned on the weekly media briefing.
The media briefing was held below the brand new format launched as a part of social distancing measures taken by FO in view of COVID-19. The opening remarks of the spokesperson have been televised, whereas replies to questions obtained from media individuals by way of emails have been included within the transcript issued later.
Particular Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Zafar Mirza, whereas taking part in Saarc leaders’ video convention on COVID-19 final Sunday, had emphasised that it was crucial in view of the well being emergency that the lockdown within the occupied territory was lifted instantly opening up communications and motion for facilitating dissemination of knowledge, distribution of medical provides and aid efforts.
As of Thursday, 4 instances have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir, whereas one other eight from Ladakh. Two components of occupied Kashmir have been break up final August when the Indian authorities revoked the particular standing of the occupied area. Regardless of the rising variety of coronavirus instances within the occupied territory, Indian authorities have continued the communication blockade and lockdown of the valley.
The Indian authorities on March 17 prolonged restrictions on excessive velocity web within the occupied valley on the pretext of safety. Curbs on web have been in place since Aug 5, when Delhi revoked Article 370 that supplied for occupied Kashmir’s particular standing.
The spokesperson mentioned that due to the persevering with lockdown, the Kashmiris have been being disadvantaged of their basic freedoms; their proper to liberty, well being, schooling and meals.
Afghanistan
The spokesperson referred to as on Afghan factions to implement the US-Taliban Peace Settlement and hoped that it could result in begin of intra-Afghan negotiations.
“Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. We hope that after the peace agreement in Doha on 29 February 2020 all sides will move towards intra-Afghan negotiations to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan,” Ms Farooqui mentioned.
The intra-Afghan talks have been scheduled to start on March 10, however variations between the Afghan authorities and Taliban over prisoners’ swap agreed below the Doha Accord have blocked additional progress.
Underneath the settlement, the Afghan authorities was to let loose 5000 Taliban prisoners and insurgents have been to launch 1000 captives, however no prisoners have been launched to date.
The Afghan authorities, which was not a part of US-Taliban negotiations that led to the settlement, conditionally agreed to launch 1500 Taliban prisoners in batches, however Taliban refused to simply accept Kabul’s plan. This distinction has led to deadlock within the implementation of the peace plan.
The state of affairs has been additional difficult by the political disaster in Afghanistan due to the controversy over presidential elections.
Printed in Daybreak, March 20th, 2020
