Call for restoration of Article 370 from Imran Khan

Addressing thousands at a rally at Kotli in observance of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’, he said Pakistan is open to talks with India and in need would raise his voice for the aspirations of Kashmiris. He further said,”Today, I say to you again. Come resolve this Kashmir dispute with us. And for that, the first thing you must do is to restore Article 370. And then speak to us and the as per the UN resolution, give the Kashmiris their due right”.

Every year on the occasion of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’, Imran Khan is known for making such comments. “We are ready to speak to you again. But I say this again. Do not mistake our hand of friendship for weakness. Pakistan belongs to those who bow to no one but God.”

Similarly the President, Dr. Arif Alvi also made similar comment on the day. She said,”We will continue to extend all-out support to the Kashmiris till the realisation of their non-alienable right to self-determination”.

After the desire expressed by the Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa for a ‘dignified’ resolution of the Kashmir issue, the comments have been made by them.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said in response that the “onus” for creating “normal neighbourly relations” was on Pakistan.

Mr. Khan said that after the Pulwama incident, the Indian government didn’t want peace or friendly ties and having an intention of using the issue as a political gains.

Khan said Pakistan wanted Kashmiris “to decide their own future”. “The issue of Kashmir has been lingering since 1948 and it could be resolved along the lines of resolution of other international disputes, such as East Timor”, Mr. Khan said.

By Swarnali Chakraborty