- Bilawal Bhutto applauds Pakistani allies for boycotting the G20 meeting in Srinagar
During a rally led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Bagh, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto made a significant statement, declaring, “I am also the Foreign Minister of Azad Kashmir and Occupied Kashmir along with Pakistan.” In his address to the crowd, Bhutto expressed his unwavering commitment to representing the entire nation of Pakistan, transcending specific political affiliations.
While acknowledging the potential for disagreements among various political factions within the country, Bhutto emphasized that when representing Pakistan on the global stage, he advocates for the interests of all citizens, including Kashmiris. He asserted that he prioritizes raising the Kashmir issue in international discussions, ensuring that it is addressed before matters pertaining to Pakistan are discussed with global leaders.
In a recent session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, Foreign Minister Bhutto strongly criticized the holding of a tourism group meeting by G20 countries in Srinagar, denouncing it as a flagrant violation of UN resolutions on Kashmir. He expressed his concerns over the prolonged denial of the Kashmiri people’s basic right to self-determination and stated that organizing such a meeting in the highly militarized zone was an attempt to portray a false sense of normalcy.
Bhutto underlined the historical context of the Kashmir issue, emphasizing that it remains an unfinished agenda of the partition of India. He referred to the tragic shedding of Kashmiri Muslim blood during the events of 1947 and stressed that history cannot be altered. His purpose in attending the session was to engage in meaningful communication with the people of Kashmir, acknowledging their struggles and aspirations.
Prior to the rally, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto had a meeting with a delegation of refugees from the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The delegation shared their concerns about the G20 conference being held in Srinagar and praised the role of the foreign minister in supporting the Kashmiri independence movement. They also brought to his attention the brutalities faced by refugees from IIOJK when they arrived in Azad Kashmir in 1990. The resettlement issues concerning these refugees were also discussed during the meeting.
Through his words and actions, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto has demonstrated his dedication to representing Pakistan as a whole, prioritizing the rights and interests of all citizens, including those in Azad Kashmir and Occupied Kashmir. His unwavering stance on the Kashmir issue and his engagement with various stakeholders highlight his commitment to finding a just resolution to the longstanding dispute.
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