| Islamabad, June 14, 2010 |
Flow of Water in the Rivers Chenab, Jhelum and Indus Should be Monitored and Urgent Action Taken Whenever Required |
FLOW OF WATER IN THE RIVERS CHENAB, JHELUM AND INDUS SHOULD BE MONITORED AND URGENT ACTION TAKEN WHENEVER REQUIRED
Islamabad, the 14th June, 2010: Water is very important for the economy of our country. As it is life line of agriculture, we should be vigilant. Flow of water in the rivers, flowing from the Occupied Kashmir should be monitored and expeditious action taken, whenever required. This was recommended by the Kashmir Committee at its meeting held today in the Parliament House.
Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir met with Maulana Fazl ur Rahman, the Chairman in the chair to discuss the issue of construction of dams and other related projects by India in the Occupied Kashmir on the rivers such as Chenab, Jhelum and Indus. Raja Pervez Ashraf, Federal Minister for Water and Power, Mr. Jamaat Ali Shah, Commissioner Indus Water Commission and high Officers of Ministry of Water and Power and Foreign Office were present.
Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Indus Water Commissioner and the Officers of the Ministry of Water and Power as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the Committee on the Indus Water Treaty, 1960 as well as dams, such as Wuller, Salal, Baglihar and Kishan Ganga. The Committee was also informed about the working of the Indus Water Commission.
After a detailed discussion, the Committee observed that water was very important for Pakistan. Pakistan is mainly an agriculture economy, for which water is necessary. The rivers like Chenab, Jehlum and Indus are the main source of the water required for agriculture. For the last few years, water in these rivers has been reduced to a large extent. There is a hue and cry for water throughout the country and agriculture has been affected. On the issue of Baglihar Dam a lot of time was wasted in correspondence and discussions, causing a huge loss to the country. The Committee recommended as under:
i. Authorities concerned be careful and work hard on the issue.
ii. The flow of water in these rivers should be closely monitored and wherever there is any lapse on the part of India, it should be pointed out to the Indian authorities urgently.
iii. Time should not be wasted in unnecessary correspondence and discussion with India and necessary measures should be taken expeditiously.
iv. There should be a think-tank, comprising engineers and experts, attached with the Ministry of Water and Power, which can advise the authorities appropriately.
v. To make up the loss caused by Baglihar Dam, small dams as well as reservoirs should be built for storing water, controlling the floods and producing electricity.
It may be recalled that the Kashmir Committee has already formulated a sub-committee on this issue. The sub-committee comprises Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA, (Convener) and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, MNA as members. The sub-committee remains in touch with the authorities concerned and report to the Committee occasionally.
Following Members of Kashmir Committee attended the meeting today:
Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA, Mr. Lal Muhamad Khan, MNA, Mr. Muhammd Afzal Sandhu, MNA, Ramesh Lal, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, MNA, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, MNA, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA, Mr. Hamayun Saifullah Khan, Mr. Abdul Waseem, MNA, Pir Saddaruddin Shah, MNA, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai, MNA, Malik Ibrar Ahmad, MNA.
Besides Mr. M. Ahsan Akhtar Malik, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power; Mr. Imran Afzal Cheema, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Water & Power; Mr. Afrasiab, Director General (SA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other Officers of these ministries were also present.
| Islamabad, May 13, 2010 |
Pakistan will Continue its Supports to Kashmiris |
PAKISTAN WILL CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT TO KASHMIRIS
Islamabad, May 13, 2010: Pakistan will continue its support for the just struggle of the
Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman,
Chairman, Parliamentary Kashmir Committee gave this assurance to the
Kashmiris leaders, who called on him today.
Barrister Abdul Majeed Tranmbo and Professor Nazeer Ahmed Shawl, Heads
of Kashmiri organizations based in Brussels and London respectively, met
with Maulana Fazl ur Rahman, Chairman, Parliamentary Kashmir Committee
today and requested for sustained and unwavering support of Pakistan on
the Kashmir issue. They urged that Kashmir Committee should play active
role for projection of Kashmir issue abroad and sends its delegation to
other countries as well as participate in international Kashmir
Conferences held abroad to project the stand of Pakistan on Kashmir.
The Kashmiri leaders also briefed the Chairman on the working of their
organizations in Europe and invited him to sends delegations of the
Kashmir Committee to participate in the events being arranged by them in
near future.
The Chairman, Kashmir Committee assured the Kashmiri leaders of the
unstinted and unwavering support of the Pakistanis for their Kashmiri
brethren, waging a just and valiant struggle for their right to
self-determination. He said, this right is one of the few fundamental
rights mentioned in the Universal Declarations of Human Rights, 1948 as
well as in many other UN Declarations. Besides, this right has also
been enshrined in the UN Resolutions adopted on Kashmir, accepted by
India and Pakistan. The Chairman urged the Government of India to stop
the state terrorism in the Occupied Kashmir, withdraw its forces and
revoke the draconian laws, such as Public Safety Act. He emphasized
that the Kashmiris detained should be released forthwith. He said, it
is unfortunate that if the Kashmiri leaders are released by the Court
of Law in one case they are arrested in another concocted case, as is
being done in the cases of Shabir Ahmed Shah and others. The Chairman
condemned the Indian efforts to change the demography of the occupied
Kashmir. An Indian General said recently, we need area of Kashmir and
not the people. So, the Kashmiris are being eliminated, whereas
Indians are being inducted in Kashmir. Similarly India is out to change
the culture of Kashmir. The Chairman, Kashmir Committee called upon
the world community to compel India to stop the human rights violations
as well as its moves to change the demography and culture of Kashmir.
The Chairman observed that Kashmir was the core issue. Though our
enemies have diverted over attention to the western front, our stance
on Kashmir will not be affected and we will continue our support to the
Kashmiris.
| Islamabad, May 6, 2010 |
Pakistan will Continue its Supports to Kashmiris |
PAKISTAN WILL CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT TO KASHMIRIS
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Parliamentary Kashmir Committee visited
Kotli, Azad Kashmir. During his visit he met the Kashmiri refugees at
Gulper and Kotli Sohlan camps. Besides distributing eatables among them,
he assured the refugees that their problems would be taken care of. He
stated that the refugees are guests of Pakistan. Despite our problems,
the refugees will be looked after.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee addressed seminars on Kashmir at Kotli
and Mirpur. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for the cause of
Kashmir. He said, Pakistan desires to resolve the Kashmir issue
peacefully in the light of the UN resolutions, so that the Kashmiris
could exercise their right of self-determination. He observed that
General Musharraf weakened the Kashmir cause by his options. The
unprecedented sacrifices rendered by Kashmiris and the efforts of
Pakistan is keeping the issue alive and India won’t be able it to shove
it under the carpet.
The Chairman paid homage to the Kashmiris for their sacrifices, assuring
that Pakistan would continue its support to the genuine struggle of
Kashmiris for their right of self-determination.
At Kotli, delegations of transporters, traders, lawyers and civil
society called on the Chairman and expressed their concern over the
ongoing judicial crisis in AJK. The Chairman observed that, he always
supported the supremacy of constitution. This crisis should also be
resolved in the light of the constitution.
| Islamabad, April 20, 2010 |
Pakistan is not a Failed State |
PAKISTAN IS NOT A FAILED STATE
Pakistan is not a failed state and Kashmiris desire to accede to
Pakistan. If anybody has any doubt about it, plebiscite may be hold to
test this reality. This was stated by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman
Parliamentary Kashmir Committee in response to the statement of the
Indian Home Secretary, who said the other day that Pakistan was a failed
state and Kashmiris did not want to join it.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee stated that at the time of partition no
industry worth the name was present in Pakistan. Besides, its share of
the joint assets was withheld by India for a long time, thinking that
Pakistan would not survive and join back India. Many problems, including
the Kashmir issue, were also created just to weaken the nascent state.
However, by the grace of Allah, Pakistan not only survived but it
impressed others by its development and other countries copied our
development plans.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman observed, our enemies have created problems for
Pakistan. Terrorism has also been unleashed in this context. However,
Pakistan is a vibrant nation. It will overcome its problems. He said, in
a battle it is the will of the people which is decisive. We have a will
to survive and move forward. Therefore, we will overcome the
difficulties.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee said, our enemies have created FATA
problem to divert our attention from Kashmir. But they won’t succeed. We
will not budge from our principled stand on Kashmir and will not leave
our Kashmiri brethren in the lurch. We will continue our support for
their just struggle to the right to self-determination, he emphasized.
| Islamabad, April 3, 2010 |
Britain should Resolve the Kashmir Issue |
BRITAIN SHOULD RESOLVE THE KASHMIR ISSUE
The Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of the Partition of the Sub
Continent, which the British Government left behind before departure.
Being the colonial power, it was duty of the United Kingdom to settle
the Kashmir dispute, which unfortunately it did not. Therefore, the
Britain should do it now. This was stated by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman in
his letters to the office bearers of the All Party Parliamentary Group
of the British Parliament on Kashmir.
The British Parliament has reconstituted the new Parliamentary Group on
Kashmir led by Lord Nazir Ahmed. The Group comprises 20 Members and the
names of the new office bearers are: Lord Nazir Ahmed, Chairman; Lord
Avebury and Baroness Knight of Collingtree, Vice Chairman/Chairperson;
Marsha Singh, Treasurer and Paul Rowen, Secretary.
While felicitating the new officer bearers, the Chairman Kashmir
Committee said, India forcibly occupied the State of Jammu and Kashmir
in 1947. Though India accepted the UN Resolutions to hold plebiscite in
the State to determine the wishes of the Kashmiris, she has delayed it
on one pretext on the other. India has now unleashed a reign of terror
in the Occupied Kashmir to crush the Kashmiris’ movement for their right
to self-determination.
He said the Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of the Partition of
the Sub Continent, which the British Government left unsettled before
its departure. It is, therefore, duty of the British Government to get
it resolved. The British Parliamentarians should persuade the British
Government to play its role to resolve the issue, because the situation
is turning grave as India is now stopping water of the rivers flowing to
Pakistan from Kashmir, allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Basin
Treaty.
Chairman has appreciated the role of the Group for the Kashmir cause
expressing hope that the Group will continue its noble job on Kashmir,
so that the Kashmir issue could be resolved as early as possible and the
hapless Kashmiris could take a sigh of relief.
| Islamabad, March 13, 2010 |
March 13, 2010: Kashmir & Water should be on the Top in Dialogue with India |
KASHMIR & WATER SHOULD BE ON THE TOP IN DIALOGUE WITH INDIA
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman, Kashmir Committee said that Kashmir
and water should be on the top of the agenda of the talks between India
and Pakistan. He said that Kashmir was one of the items of the Composite
Dialogue. The Dialogue was started in January, 2004. However, despite an
elapse of more than six years, Kashmir has not as yet been touched.
India is always out to find an excuse to avoid Kashmir.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee said, dialogue is the only appropriate
mean to resolve disputes. But talks for the sake of talks are of no use.
The dialogue should be result oriented. Therefore, time should not be
wasted on useless talks and both countries should start serious talks on
Kashmir, so that the 62 years old dispute of Kashmir could be resolved.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman said, water issue should also be discussed with
India. He said , the recent statement of the Indian Home Secretary,
saying that Pakistan is using more water than its share is contrary to
the facts. He stated that under the Indus Basin Treaty as well as the
international Law India could stop water of Rivers Chenab, Jehlum and
Indus. The Chairman, said the inhuman and immoral act of stopping our
water is not sudden but a considered decision on the part of India. The
Indian Minister Chakarwati said in 2003 that India would stop water of
Pakistan and the latter would cry for drops.
The Chairman said, India is stopping water to pressure Pakistan on
Kashmir, but it would not be successful, as Kashmir issue cannot
resolved by force. It has to be settled on the basis of principles and
in the light of the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
| Islamabad, February 6, 2010 |
Kashmir Solidarity Week - Essay Competition |
KASHMIR SOLIDARITY WEEK - ESSAY COMPETITION
As part of the activities of the Kashmir Solidarity Week the Kashmir
Committee held arranged a function to distribute prizes amongst the
winners of the Essay Competition floated by the Kashmir Committee on the
topic: Kashmir Issue: A Quest for Solution. Prizes for
English and Urdu essay both were First Rs. 15,000/-, Second Rs.
10,000/-, third Rs. 7,500/-. The names of the winners are:
ENGLISH URDU
1ST Malik Dastageer Alam Aftab Ahmad
2ND Memoona Saeed Usman Siddique
3RD Sumeet Kumar Mandhan Sumaira Anwar
After distribution of prizes, Mr. Shahid Hussain Bhutto, MNA/Federal
Minister for Youth Affairs/Member Kashmir Committee congratulated the
winners. He appreciated the Committee for holding this exercise. The
Minister also dilated on the Kashmir issue. He announced an award of Rs.
5000/- to three position holders of English and Urdu Essays.
Topic of the next Essay Competition will be The Kashmir
Issue and prizes will be Rupees 20,000, 15,000, 10,000 for top
three positions in English and Urdu separately. Besides, there will be
sixteen consolation prizes also.
| Islamabad, February 4, 2010 |
Seminar on Kashmir |
SEMINAR ON KASHMIR
Pakistanis will continue their support to the brave Kashmiris and
Pakistan Government should be firm on its stance on Kashmir. This
message emerged from the seminar on Kashmir held by the Parliamentary
Kashmir Committee today at the Institute of Strategic Studies,
Islamabad.
The Seminar was presided over by Raja Zulqarnain, President of Azad
Kashmir and was addressed by Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, Minister of
State for Railways, Maj. Gen. (R) M. Anwar Khan, Mr. Naseer Bhutta, MNA,
Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, Mr. Abdul Rashid Turabi, Ch. Matloob Inkalabi,
Sardar Amjad Yusuf, Mr. Faiz Naqshbandi, Mr. Rashid Ahmad Khan and Mr.
Ghulam Safi.
The Speakers, including intellectuals and leaders from all major
parliamentary, political parties of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir voiced
view point of their parties on the topic of the seminar: Kashmir
and Peace in South Asia. Though the speakers, representing
different shades of the society, shed light on different aspects of the
issue, there was a unanimity of views on the issue. They emphasized that
durable peace in the South Asia is not possible without the resolution
of Kashmir issue. The support of Pakistan for Kashmiris in their just
struggle for their right to self-determination will continue. The
speaker urged the Government of Pakistan to follow a strong Kashmir
policy. India was also urged to stop state terrorism in the occupied
Kashmir. A call was also made to the world community to pressure India
to resolve the issue. The speakers emphasized that the Kashmir issue
should be resolved on basis of the UN resolutions.
The Seminar attracted huge audience, comprising diplomatic corps,
legislators from Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, researchers, intellectuals,
academicians, students and civil society.
| Islamabad, February 3, 2010 |
Solidarity Week |
SOLIDARITY WEEK
The Kashmir Day on February 5 should be actively observed throughout the
country so that a strong message of solidarity should emanate for the
Kashmiris waging a valiant struggle for freedom from India. The
Parliamentary Kashmir Committee made this call at its meeting today in
Islamabad.
The meeting presided over by its Chairman Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman was
attended by members of the Committee namely Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu,
MNA, Nawab Muhammad Yusuf Talpur, MNA, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, MNA, Mr.
Ramesh Lal, MNA, Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan, MNA, Mian Javed Latif, MNA Mr.
Naseer Bhutta, MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA Engineer Khurram Dastagir
Khan, MNA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA Mr. Humayun Saifullah Khan, MNA Mr.
Abdul Waseem, MNA Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, MNA Ms. Bushra Gohar, MNA Pir
Saddaruddin Shah, MNA, Mr. Amer Ali Khan Magsi, MNA Mr. Muhammad Tariq
Tarrar, MNA Ch. Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA. Local Members of the Parliament
Senator Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Malik Ibrar Ahmad, MNA and Dr. Tariq
Fazal Chaudhry, MNA also attended. The senior official of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting were also present.
The Committee finalized finalized the programmes of the Kashmir Day. The
Committee will observe the Solidarity Week. It will hold seminar at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on 4th February, it will present
a Memorandum to the United Nations Representative at Islamabad on 5th
instant; in the evening its Chairman will address the Kashmir Convention,
on 6th instant, he will distribute prizes amongst the students who won
the Essay competition. Next week, the Chairman and Members of the
Committee will visit the Kashmir Refugee camps in Azad Jammu Kashmir to
express solidarity.
At the meeting, various members of the Committee, representing different
political parties voiced support for the Kashmir cause. They stressed
that the issue should be projected forcefully.
The Committee called upon the Provincial Governments political parties,
Members of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, social, trade and
religious organizations to put up programme on the Kashmir Day so that
from Khyber to Karachi, a strong message of solidarity may emanate in
support of the people of Occupied Kashmir, who have rendered un-precedent
sacrifices.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee also met the media men and urged them to
highlight the Kashmir issue by telecasting different porgrammes on
Kashmir Day as well as throughout the year.
| Islamabad, January 11, 2010 |
Kashmir Issue should be Projected the Following |
KASHMIR ISSUE SHOULD BE PROJECTED THE FOLLOWING
There should be not let up in the projection of the Kashmir Issue and all available means should be deployed to this effect. The Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, which met today at Islamabad, has directed.
Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Salman Bashir, Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr. Suhail Mansoor, Secretary Information, Mr. Masood Khalid, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs, Ch. Rashid Ahmed, Principle Information Officer, Mr. Muhammad Arshad Khan, Managing Director, PTV, Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Solangi, Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Ghulam Hazoor Bajwa, Director General External Publicity, Mr. Afrasiab, Director General, Foreign Affairs and other Officers of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting attended the meeting.
The Kashmir Committee advised both the Ministries that more is required to highlight the issue abroad. Therefore, forceful measures should be taken to project the issue in a befitting manner. Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Chairman Kashmir Committee said, Kashmir is one of the most important issue of Pakistan. All relevant quarters should intensify their effort in this regard. It was observed that policies of General Musharraf weakened the Kashmir cause. However, the Kashmir Committee of that time did not toe his line. The Kashmir Committee represents the nation. Therefore, it will follow the line of the people of Pakistan.
The Kashmir Committee called upon the world community to compel India to withdraw its over seven hundred thousands soldiers, revoke the draconian laws and to release the Kashmiris languishing in the torture cells and jails.
Names of Members, who attended the meeting, are:-
Nawab Muhammad Yusaf Talpur, MNA, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, MNA, Mr. Ramesh Lal, MNA, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, MNA, Mian Javed Latif, MNA, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, MNA, Sardar Talib Hussain Nakai, MNA, Ms. Bushra Gohar, MNA, Ch. Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA
| Islamabad, January 5, 2010 |
Kashmir Issue should be Resolved in Accordance with the Wishes of Kashmiris |
KASHMIR ISSUE SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISHES OF KASHMIRIS
The Kashmir issue should be resolved in the light of the United Nations resolution, wherein the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination has been espoused. It was stated by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Chairman, Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir with reference to the United Nations Resolution of January 5, 1949, which calls for holding a plebiscite in Jammu & Kashmir to determine the wishes of Kashmiris.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee emphasized that the right of self determination is not enshrined in the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir only, but also in the UN Universal Declaration of 1948. Therefore, Kashmiris have every right to struggle for this right. Thus, the freedom struggle in Indian occupied Kashmir can’t be dubbed as a terrorist movement, because it has the support of the Charters of the United Nations, the UN Universal Declaration (1948), Charter of the United Nations, numerous UN resolutions and Charter of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The Chairman said, Pakistan has all along been supporting the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He stated that Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. He called upon India to withdraw its seven lac security forces from the occupied territory and revoke the draconian laws enforced there. Similarly, thousands of Kashmiris detained in torture cells should also be released.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman added that the Kashmir Committee would hold a Kashmir Conference in February next, which will be addressed by the Kashmiri leadership.
| Islamabad, October 12, 2009 |
(NATO
Forces should leave Afghanistan) |
NATO FORCES SHOULD LEAVE AFGHANISTAN
Islamabad October 12, 2009: A British delegation led by Ms. Karen Pierce, Director South Asia and Afghanistan of British Foreign Office called on Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman, Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir today at Islamabad.
The Leader of delegation informed the Chairman Kashmir Committee that they wanted to discuss with him how to settle the Afghan issue. In response, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman told them that the foreign forces were a source of instability. Therefore, they should leave Afghanistan at the earliest. Freedom is the fundamental right of all the peoples of the world. The Afghan knows how to fight for their freedom and they can fight for decades. Even the people of Pakistan want that the Afghans should be allowed to decide their future without foreign interference. The increasing influence of the Americans is taken with suspicion and concern by all the countries of the region.
| Islamabad, October 6, 2009 |
Stand of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir Appreciated |
STAND OF OIC CONTACT GROUP ON Kashmir APPRECIATED
Islamabad, October 6, 2009: Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Parliamentary Kashmir Committee has appreciated the stand of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir in support of self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He said that reiteration of support by the Contact Group at its recent meeting in New York for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiris was appreciable by all sane elements of the world, because it is in line with the UN declarations on fundamental and human rights as well as the UN resolutions on Kashmir, which were accepted by India.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee also welcomed the appointment of Mr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Rehman Al-Bakr as Special Envoy of the OIC on Kashmir. He invited the Special Envoy to visit Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. He said, we have nothing to hide in Azad Kashmir. Therefore, not only the new Envoy of the OIC, but parliamentarians, academics and media men of other countries are also welcome to Azad Kashmir. The Chairman also urged India to let the foreign media men and the parliamentarians visit the occupied Kashmir. He said, an open door policy should be followed in the occupied Kashmir as is being done in Azad Kashmir. Nothing can be hidden in the wake of the information revolution, he asserted.
| Islamabad, June 30, 2009 |
Indian must stop Human Rights violations in occupied Kashmiri |
INDIAN MUST STOP HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN OCCUPIED KASHMIRI
Islamabad, June 30, 2009: Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory. Instead of resolving the issue India had unleashed a reign of terror there. The state terrorism by Indian security forces in the occupied area is despicable which is condemned by all sensible persons. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman expressed concern over the recent incident of Shopian in which two women were raped and subsequently murdered. He called for an immediate end to the havoc wrought by the Indian troops in the occupied Kashmir.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee said that the Kashmiri people were struggling for their right to self-determination, which is a genuine and in accordance with the International Law, UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN resolutions on Kashmir and the resolutions of the Non Aligned Movement. But India wants to crush it with force. It has thus deployed over three quarters of a million troops in the occupied Kashmir, armed with the draconian laws. They have martyred over 90,000 Kashmiris. The culprits of Sopore incident were not punished. Similarly Indian has not taken action against the culprits of the Shopian incident. Instead of dispensing justice, Indian troops are resorting to violence against the peaceful demonstrators and have detained numerous Kashmiri leaders, including Yasin Malik, Fareeda Behnji and others.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman urged India to release Kashmiri leaders and withdraw troops as well as the black laws from occupied Kashmir. He also called upon the international community to intervene. The culprits of the Sopore and Shopian incidents should be tried by the International Tribunal for War Crimes, he stressed.
| Islamabad April 20, 2009 |
Stopping Pakistan’s Share of Water by India is Condemnable |
STOPPING Pakistan’S SHARE OF WATER BY India IS CONDEMNABLE
Kashmir Committee invites leaders of OCCUPIED Kashmir to Kashmir conference in Islamabad
The Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir condemned the attitude of India on the water issue and for stopping the water of Pakistan by construction of dams in the Occupied Kashmir, calling it high-handed, inhuman and conspiratorial.
A high level team of the Ministry of Water and Power and the Indus Waters Commission briefed the Kashmir Committee today in the Parliament House on construction of dams by India in the Occupied Kashmir. The meeting was presided over by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Kashmir Committee and attended by these members of the Committee:
Mr. Humayun Saifullah, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq,
Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, Mr. Tariq Tarrar, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai
A detailed briefing was given on the dams India is constructing on rivers Sindh, Chenab and Jhelum, exclusively allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960. Due to arbitrary action of India a short quantum of water is allowed to flow into Pakistan, thus causing a colossal loss to agriculture as well as manufacturing sector.
The Kashmir Committee urged that instead of wasting time on correspondence and holding meetings, the Ministry of Water & Power should initiate appropriate action. The Committee also urged the Ministry to be alert in the matter and work in tandem with the Foreign Office. The Committee also nominated its four members: Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Dr. Attiya Inaytullah, Mr. Humayun Saifullah and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for liaison with the Ministry of Water and Power and the Indus Waters Commission and update the Committee as to the progress in the matter. The Committee also called for adding Kashmir in the mission of Mr. Holbrooke. Besides, if India is to be included in the Contact Group of the Region, then it should be included with all the disputes such as Kashmir, water, etc.
The Kashmir Committee decided to hold the Conference of Kashmiri leadership across the Line of Control. The Committee has invited the leaders of Azad and Occupied Kashmir to the Kashmir Conference, to be held in Islamabad in August next.
Ms. Elka Hoff, Member, German Parliament and Ms. Inna Lapel, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy, Islamabad called on Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman today. The latter briefed them on Kashmir issue.
| Islamabad April, 3, 2009 |
Production of Electricity should be increased |
PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY SHOULD BE INCREASED
Islamabad April 3, 2009: Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Chairman Kashmir committee urged the Ministry of Water and Power to increase the production of Electricity in the country. Senior Officers of Ministry of Water and Power, PEPCO, NTDC and Peshawar Electric Supply Organization held a meeting with the Chairman, Parliamentary Kashmir Committee today. Federal Minister for Tourism Maulana Ata-ur-Rahman and Mr. Akram Durrani, Ex-Chief Minister NWFP were also present. The Officers of the aforesaid organizations briefed the Chairman Kashmir Committee on the following matters:
220 KV Grid Station D.I.Khan; Construction of 132KV Double Line From Grid Station Pezu to Grid Station Tank; Grid Station Gomal University/Industrial; Grid Station Bannu Road D.I. Khan; Installation of Power Transformer at Almoize Sugar Mill Grid Station; Conversion of 66KV into 132KV Grid Station Band Kurai; Grid Station Prova; Replacement of 10MVA Transformer by 20MVA at Grid Station Tank; Construction of Additional 11KV Bakka Khel Feeder in Bannu; Approval for Division-II Operation in Bannu
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman asked them to expedite work on the incomplete projects, so that the people could enjoy the modern facilities of electricity. He also urged that efforts should be undertaken to increase the production of electricity so that the people of Pakistan could get rid of the load-shedding at the earliest possible.
| Islamabad April 1, 2009 |
Multi Pronged Strategy Required for Elimination of Extremism and Militancy |
MULTI PRONGED STRATEGY REQUIRED FOR ELIMINATION OF EXTREMISM AND MILITANCY
Islamabad April 1, 2009: Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman, Parliamentary Kashmir Committee said that terrorism was a multi-faceted menace and it can only be uprooted through a multi-pronged strategy. It is an ill begotten offspring of deprivation, poverty and hunger. But if it is in reaction to suppression, repression and oppression especially by the occupying forces, it becomes extremism or militancy at the most. He made these remarks while commenting on the recent statement of the US President Obama on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee observed that for addressing the issues of extremism and militancy, their root causes have to be determined and removed. Militarism breeds militancy. Therefore, first of all, the big powers should shun the culture of colonialism and imperialism. George W. Bush’s policies itself manifest extremism, causing death of hundreds of thousands Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan and FATA, or for that matter in other parts of Pakistan. The American citizens revolted against his imprudent policies and voted President Obama into power for a change. Thus, it was expected that President Obama would announce withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, as desired by the American people. Unfortunately, he has announced further deployment of more soldiers, which has disappointed the people of the world, especially of the region.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman said, the Palestinians and Kashmiris are victims of state terrorism of Israel and India respectively. How can peace prevail in the Sub-Continent and the Middle East unless the occupying forces stop killing the Palestinians and Kashmiris and allow them to live as free peoples. Therefore, the US President should expedite his efforts to resolve the issues of Palestine and Kashmir. During his election campaign President Obama urged an early resolution of the Kashmir issue. The Chairman Kashmir Committee stressed that urgency for resolution of the Kashmir issue had not lessened. The US president should not ignore this issue, as its early solution is imperative for a durable peace in the region.
The Chairman, Kashmir Committee remarked that for spending the aid provided by the US in FATA, a transparent mechanism should be formulated. However, involvement of foreign elements may be avoided as in the perspective of culture of FATA, their involvement can be counter productive. He emphasized that reconciliation and dialogue, instead of force, should be used to resolve the issues of Afghanistan and FATA. The political forces, which have network in FATA and enjoy the trust of the local population, may be helpful. These forces can be used in bringing peace in the area.
| Islamabad March 17, 2009 |
War on terrorism a ruse to exploit the resources of developing countries |
WAR ON TERRORISM A RUSE TO EXPLOIT THE RESOURCES OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
The war on terrorism, started by the developed countries, is pretext to capture resources of developing countries and to ensure military presence in the region to expand influence. These ideas were expressed by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Parliamentary Kashmir Committee today at a meeting with three member Canadian delegation, led by a senior Canadian high official. He said the foreign policy of a country revolves around its interests. Therefore, the powerful nations try to impose their will on the weaker nations in order to exploit their resources.
The Canadian delegation observed that the purpose of its visit is to expand bilateral relations with Pakistan, to see how Canada can assist Pakistan in strengthening its economy. The leader of delegation said, Canada also wants to work for improving the relations of Pakistan with the neighboring countries, wherever required. In response the Chairman Kashmir Committee thanked Canada for their support in the past and the noble idea for assisting Pakistan in future as well. He said, Pakistan desires to have good relations with neighboring countries. However, Kashmir is the core issue between Pakistan and India. Therefore, durable peace cannot be ensured. As for Afghanistan, the main problem is due to foreign forces there. As soon as the foreign forces are removed, peace will prevail in Afghanistan. The Canadian delegation informed that Canada had decided to withdraw its forces in Afghanistan.
The delegation comprised Mr. Greg Giokas, Mr. Andrew Turner and Ms Robin Wettlaufer.
| Islamabad February 26, 2009 |
Pakistan will continue its support for Kashmiris |
Pakistan WILL CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT FOR KASHMIRIS
Kashmir is not an issue of Kashmiris alone, it is a issue of Pakistanis also. The hearts of Pakistanis throb with the hearts of their Kashmiri brethren and the former won’t leave the latter in lurch. Pakistan, therefore, will continue its support to Kashmiris. These ideas were expressed by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Chairman, Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir and other Members of the Committee.
The Kashmir Committee met today for consultation with the Kashmiri leaders on the Kashmir issue. The Chairman informed that the meeting was part of the consultative process initiated by the Committee to develop consensus at home. The Kashmiri leaders presented viewpoints of their parties. However, they all asserted that Pakistan should emphasize on the implementation of UN resolutions, calling for the right of self-determination. Kashmiris love Pakistan and they want to see it strong and prosperous. They are grateful to Pakistanis for their support and are mindful of the problems of Pakistan as well as the sacrifices it has made for the Kashmir cause. It was stressed that all parties of Pakistan should speak with one voice on Kashmir. Different voices create confusion among Kashmiris. Kashmir Committee can play an important role in increasing awareness and developing consensus on Kashmir issue at home and in projecting it abroad. The Committee should play its role.
Names of the Kashmiri leaders who were present are:
Raja Zulqarnain Khan, President AJK, Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, Former President, AJK, Ch. Abdul Majeed, (PPP, AJK), Mr. Amanullah Khan, (J & K Liberation Front), Mr. Abdul Rashid Turabi, (Jamaat-i-Islami, AJK), Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan, (J&K, PPP), Maulana Saeed Yusuf, (JUI, AJK), Mr. Yasin Malik (from occupied Kashmir) was also present.
Ch. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas informed the Kashmiri leadership that the present government was sincere with the Kashmir cause. Keeping in view of the sensitivities of the nation on the issue, no government can put it on the back burner.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee assured the Kashmiri leadership that the Kashmir Committee will come up to the expectations of the Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
Name of the Members of the Kashmir Committee who attended the meeting are: Makhdoom Amin Fahim, MNA, Pir Aftab Ahmad Shah Jilani, MNA, Ch. Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, MNA, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, MNA, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, MNA, Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla, MNA, Mr. Naseer Bhutta, MNA, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA, Mr. Ramesh Lal, MNA, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, MNA, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA, Mr. Humayun Saifullah Khan, MNA, Ms. Fiza Junejo, MNA, Mr. Abdul Waseem, MNA, and Ch. Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA.
| Islamabad, February 14, 2009 |
Pakistan will continue its support to the Kashmiris |
Pakistan WILL CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT TO THE KASHMIRIS
Islamabad, Feburary 14, 2009: On the Kashmir Day (5th February, 2009), the people of Pakistan swelled the roads from Khyber to Karachi as an expression of solidarity with the people of Occupied Kashmir, waging valiant struggle for freedom from India. This was an unequivocal message of solidarity which once again dispelled any doubt about our stand of Kashmir. The hearts of Pakistanis throb with the hearts of their Kashmiri brethren. These views were expressed by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir at a meeting with the Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, on a visit to Pakistan, who met with him in the Parliament House, Islamabad today.
Mr. Yasin Malik expressed thanks to the people of Pakistan for supporting the right of Kashmiris to self-determination. He expressed that all political parties of Pakistan should develop a consensus and speak with one voice on Kashmir. He observed divergent approaches on the Kashmir issue not only demoralizes the Kashmiris but also delays the resolution of the issue. He also expressed hope that the election of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, a seasoned politician as the Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir will help in an early resolution of the issue. He said, the incumbent Chairman has friendly relations with all political parties. He therefore, can bring them at one platform on the issue. The Kashmiri leader also invited the Chairman to his wedding on 22nd February.
The Chairman, Kashmir Committee assured Mr. Malik that Pakistan will continue its moral, political & diplomatic support to the just cause of Kashmiris. .He also invited him to the meeting of the Kashmir Committee slated for 26th February, 2009.
| Islamabad, February 3, 2009 |
Pakistan will continue its support to the Kashmiri People |
| Islamabad, February 3, 2009 |
Resolution |
| Islamabad January 20, 2009 |
Kashmir Solidarity Day be observed with Full Fervor and Solemnity |
KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY BE OBSERVED WITH FULL FERVOR AND SOLEMNITY
Islamabad, January 20, 2009: Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman, Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir & Ch. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Northern Areas have appealed the nation to observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5th February, 2009 with full fervor & solemnity. This call was made at the meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Kashmir Committee, in which they also participated. The meeting was held in the Parliament House, Islamabad on 20th January 2009 to chalk out a suitable programme for the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The Sub-Committee comprises the Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur MNA, (Convener), and three members; Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah MNA, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan MNA, Dr. Attiya Inayat Ullah MNA & Abdul Waseem MNA.
The Minister of Kashmir Affairs briefed the Sub-Committee on the programmes lined up by his Ministry on the Solidarity Day. Appreciating the programmes, the Sub-Committee observed that all parties should coordinate their programmes of the Day, so that a strong and united message of solidarity is conveyed across the Line of Control. It was urged that all Members of the Kashmir Committee should participate in the programmes arranged in their constituencies.
It was decided that Kashmir Committee will observe Solidarity Week. On 3rd February, 2009, the Kashmir Committee will hold a Solidarity meeting, in which the Prime Minister of AJK will also be invited. On 4th February, a Seminar will be held at Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, wherein Parliamentarians representing all political parties will participate. On 5th instant, Memorandum to the UN Representative in Islamabad will be presented. Members of the Kashmir Committee will also participate in human chain & the rally, being held at Kohala Bridge. The Chairman Kashmir Committee will address the Kashmir Convention along with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Members of Kashmir will participate in TV Talk Shows, too. Essay Competition amongst the students of the universities & colleges will be held on 6th & 7th February, 2009.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee also pointed out the problems of the Kashmiri refugees, such as provision of land for refugees whose houses were demolished in earth quake, increase in subsistence allowance already announced by the Prime Minister, admission of Kashmir refugee students in colleges / universities of Pakistan. It was urged that the problems should be resolved as early as possible.
| Islamabad January 14, 2009 |
Kashmiri Refugees are Our Guests; we will Take Care of them, Chairman Kashmir Committee |
KASHMIRI REFUGEES ARE OUR GUESTS; WE WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM – CHAIRMAN KASHMIR COMMITTEE
Islamabad, January 14, 2009: The Kashmir refugees are our guests and it is our obligation to take care of them and address their problems. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir give this assurance to a delegation of the Kashmiri refugees who called on him today.
A seven member delegation of the Kashmiri refugees, who are living in the refugee camps in Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir), called on the Chairman, Kashmir Committee to apprise him of their problems. They migrated from the occupied Kashmir after 1989. After listening to them, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman said that the Kashmiri refugees, whether they migrated after 1947, 1965 or afterwards were looked after properly. They are guests and they should feel at home here. He said, Pakistan is facing numerous problems, but even then we won’t ignore the problems of the Kashmiri refugees.
The Chairman informed the delegation that during his visit to Kashmiri refugees camps in October last, he received a list of the problems, which had already been conveyed to the quarters concerned for doing the needful. He announced that a high level Sub-Committee would soon be established to look into the problems of the Kashmiri refugees.
| Islamabad January 12, 2009 |
Islam is Against All Kinds of Terrorism |
ISLAM IS AGAINST ALL KINDS OF TERRORISM
Islamabad, January 12, 2009: Islam is against all kinds of terrorism and doesn’t condone deaths of innocent persons. The Muslim countries therefore, should join hands to fight the menace of terrorism. These ideas were expressed by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman Chairman, Kashmir Committee and His Excellency Mr. Mashallah Shakeri, Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan in a meeting today. They also called for pooling the resources of the Muslim Umma to meet the economic challenges being faced these days
The Chairman Kashmir Committee asserted that the leaders of all factions of Islam should sit together and formulate a joint strategy to stop the sectarian riots. He expressed his surprise over the repeated eruption of such in-fightings, entailing a lot of blood-shed of brethren in Islam. The sectarian riots show that a third force is using Muslims to kill each other. It is therefore, need of hour that the government of Muslim Countries should ensure the all sects of Islam are treated equally and fairly, so that the sense of deprivation does not surface in any country because if it emerges in one country, it may travel to others also. He said MMA has been a good platform for harmony among different sects in Pakistan.
The Chairman, Kashmir Committee observed that countries of region like Iran, Pakistan & India should resolve their problems of the region peacefully. We therefore, also desires to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully. He said, war is no solution of an issue, rather it creates more problems. He said that his party believed in co-existence and desired to have friendly and peaceful relations with the neighbors. He said, Pakistan has complaints; India may also have complaints. They should therefore, sit together to find solutions, instead of adopting the posture of jingoism. Undue pressure from India in the recent crisis has welded the whole Pakistani nation.
The Iranian Ambassador appreciated the sentiments of the Chairman Kashmir Committee and assured full support of Iran in this noble cause. Both leaders condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza. They questioned the role of big powers, which should ask Israel to stop the killing of Palestinians. Such high handed approach breeds terrorism. Imperialism of all sorts have to be stopped for eradication of terrorism. They observed, war on terrorism today appears to be war for capturing the resources of other countries.
| Islamabad January 10, 2009 |
Kashmir Committee Welcome Obama’s desire to Resolve the Kashmir Issue |
KASHMIR COMMITTEE WELCOME OBAMA’S DESIRE TO RESOLVE THE KASHMIR ISSUE
Islamabad, January 10, 2009: Kashmir Committee condemns the Mumbai massacre. The terrorists involved in this heinous act deserve no sympathy. The Kashmir Committee expressed these sentiments at a meeting held in Parliament House, Islamabad today, with Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, the Chairman in the chair.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the Kashmir Committee on the Composite Dialogue. The Foreign Minister informed that Kashmir was one of the items of the Composite Dialogue. Under the Dialogue various steps, such as bus/train service, trade, visa concessions, exchange of prisoners, cultural exchanges have been implemented by now. Bus and truck (trade) service have also been started in Jammu and Kashmir. Five entry points have been opened across the LOC for movement of the Kashmiris.
The Foreign Minister informed Committee that India had provided some information about the Mumbai incident, which was being examined. However, one thing is certain that no state actor is involved. About the Kashmir issue, he said resolution of the Kashmir issue is imperative for peace and development of both countries.
The Kashmir Committee expressed anguish over the Mumbai incident. It condemned the ghastly happening and commisserated with India. The Committee urged India to continue the dialogue on Kashmir and resolve it. The Kashmir Committee welcomed the statement of US President elect Obama to resolve the issue and for naming former President Bill Clinton as his Special Envoy on Kashmir. The Committee described it as the right choice, because Bill Clinton knew the gravity of the issue. The Kashmir Committee observed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance of the UN resolution, giving right of self-determination to Kashmiris. India should stop human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, it emphasized.
The Chairman, Kashmir Committee stressed that Pakistan desired to have good relations with India and wanted resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully. Wars don’t resolve issues, rather they create more. India, therefore, should respond in a positive manner.
The following Members of Kashmir Committee attended the meeting: Ch. Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, MNA, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, MNA, Mr. Ramesh Lal, MNA, Mr. Naseer Bhutta, MNA, Sh. Aftab Ahmad, MNA, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA, Sarday Ayaz Sadiq, MNA, Mr. Humayun Saifullah Khan, MNA, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, MNA, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, MNA, Ms. Bushra Gohar, MNA, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai, MNA.
| Islamabad January 02, 2009 |
Kashmiris to Decide about their Future |
KASHMIRIS TO DECIDE ABOUT THEIR FUTURE
Islamabad, January 02, 2009: Kashmiris will decide about their future and no one can dictate them in this regard. They are waging struggle for their right to decide their destiny and Pakistan is not interfering in this regard.
Maulana Fazl ur Rahman .Chairman Kashmir Committee made these remarks in a statement today in response to the Indian Foreign Minister’s statement of asking Pakistan to forget Kashmir. He said that the recent peaceful mass movement in the occupied Kashmir in which hundreds of thousands Kashmiris participated, chanting slogans for freedom from India, have opened the eyes of the whole world. However, the Indian leaders don’t want to see reality and are following the ostrich approach. The Chairman said that Mumbai incident was maneuvered by the India agencies in collusion with Mossad just to deflect the attention of the world community from Kashmir. The US President-elect Obama evinced interest in resolving the Kashmir issue and even indicated the name of Bill Clinton as his Special Envoy on Kashmir. Therefore, the Indian agencies became active and planned the Mumbai incident before the taking over by Obama so that the US should avoid taking interest in Kashmir.
The Chairman said that it was not difficult to unravel the facts from fiction and understand the contrivance of the RAW. For example, how could so much arms be stashed in Tajmahal Hotel, which has a strict security system. The Police Officer Karakre was going to expose the misdoings of the RAW and the Hindu extremists against the Muslims and arrested even a senior Military Officer to this effect. He was killed during the Mumbai incident. The Chairman observed that his killing has also exposed the RAW because no Muslim or Pakistani can gain any benefit from his death. He said, due to this incident, a particular political party will also be beneficiary in the forthcoming elections. This all indicates Indian elements behind the Mumbai incident. He said that he conveyed these ideas to the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi last month.
The Chairman said, the recent statement of the Indian Foreign Minister advising Pakistan to forget Kashmir has further exposed the purpose of the Indian establishment behind the Mumbai massacre. It was staged to misguide the world community about the Kashmir issue. He added, the Kashmiris are striving for the last 61 years for the fundamental rights and have rendered matchless sacrifices to this effect. Pakistan can’t ask them to stop the struggle, as we did not ask them to start it.
| Islamabad, November 5, 2008 |
No Peace in South Asia without Resolution of Kashmir |
NO PEACE IN SOUTH ASIA WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF KASHMIR
Islamabad, November 5, 2008: Permanent peace in the South Asia can’t prevail without
resolving the Kashmir issue. The issue is keeping hostage one fifth of the world population living in the region. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir conveyed these ideas to the French delegation, comprising the French Parliamentarians, the French Ambassador and the French diplomats based in Pakistan. The delegation met with the Chairman in his chamber today. Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan Minister & Member of Kashmir Committee was also present.
The leader of delegation informed the Chairman, Kashmir Committee that they were visiting India, Afghanistan and Pakistan to have a better understanding of the recent developments in the region.
The Chairman Kashmir Committee stated that Pakistan desired to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully in the light of the UN resolutions on Kashmir and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The leader of delegation observed that France also wanted that the issue should be resolved through peaceful means.
The Chairman briefed the delegation about the resolution passed by the Parliament recently on terrorism. He emphasized that the dictatorial policies of General Musharraf created problems for the country. Now the Parliament, representing the whole nation, has passed a unanimous resolution, reflecting the wishes of the nation as well as culture and traditions of tribal areas. He urged the world to respect the sovereignty of Pakistan. The Chairman observed that the western powers, professing democratic ideals, should follow one criteria. In Iraq, Afghanistan and FATA, they support the use of force but in Kashmir and Palestine the stress negotiations. They should avoid double standard. He emphasized, we support peaceful resolution of all disputes of the world.
| Islamabad, October 24, 2008 |
Mr. Jonathan Cohen, In-charge Kashmir Project of Conciliation Resources, London met with Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, Chairman Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir |
MR. JONATHAN COHEN, IN-CHARGE KASHMIR PROJECT OF CONCILIATION RESOURCES, LONDON MET WITH MAULANA FAZL-UR-REHMAN, CHAIRMAN SPECIAL PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON KASHMIR
Islamabad, October 24, 2008: Mr. Jonathan Cohen, In-charge Kashmir Project of Conciliation Resources, London met with Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chairman Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir.
The guest informed the Chairman that his organization has helped in resolving a few conflict in the world. The Chairman that Pakistan said that Pakistan wants an early resolution of the issue so that the people of South Asia can live in peace and devote their sources for development. Pakistan want to resolve the issue peacefully. We want a solution of the issue which is acceptable for Kashmiri.
Besides, Dr. Maqbool A. Bhatty former Ambassador of Pakistan, renowned analyst presently President, Islamabad Forum for International Affairs also called on the Chairman and discussed the Kashmir issue in the light of his personal experience of international relations expanding around four decades.
Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, MNA/Member of Kashmir Committee was also present at the meeting.
| Islamabad, October 8, 2008 |
Kashmir Committee supports just struggle of Kashmiris |
KASHMIR COMMITTEE SUPPORTS JUST STRUGGLE OF KASHMIRIS
Islamabad October 8, 2008: The Special Committee of the National Assembly on Kashmir has passed
a unanimous resolution extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right of self-determination.
The Special Committee on Kashmir held its maiden meeting in the Parliament House today. The members congratulated Maulana Fazal-urRehman, MNA/ Chairman for his unanimous election. The Chairman said, the Committee represents the whole nation. Therefore, its stand on the Kashmir issue is in accordance with the aspirations of the Nation. The nation has reposed confidence in us, we will come up to their expectations, he added.
The Committee decided that the members will give their opinion keeping their party affiliation aside and the decisions will be taken on the basis of consensus. It also decided that the Chairman would speak on their behalf.
The Committee expressed its concern over the Human Rights violations perpetrated by Indian security forces in the occupied Kashmir. It emphasized that. the struggle in Kashmir in-diginous and the' repeated congregations of around million Kashmiris against the Indian occupation has opened the eyes of the whole world, exposing the Indian lie terming the freedom movement surging in the occupied Kashmir as misdoing of a few foreign elements. It urged India to stop state terrorism there and hold sincere talks with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute. The committee also urged the United Nations to send a fact finding mission to the Indian occupied 'Kashmir to enquire into the atrocities inflicted on Kashmiris, the unmarked mass graves unearthed recently and the impact of the economic blockade.
The Committee also prayed for the departed souls, victims of the earth quake. It called for early completion of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affectees of the earth quake.
The Committee passed the following unanimous resolution:
The Committee
- Reaffirms unflinching support to the right of self determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions.
- Further, condemns the curfew, crackdowns and killings by the Indian security forces against the current unprecedented non violent mass uprising for freedom in India occupied Kashmir.
- Regretting the continued and unabated human rights violations, specifically calls on the United Nations to send a Fact Finding Mission to inquire into the matters of the unmarked mass graves, the atrocities inflicted on Kashmiris and the impact of economic blockade.
- Mindful of the latest storm of protest in India occupied Kashmir against oppression calls upon the India occupying forces to end state terrorism there.
The following members attended the meeting: Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Ch. Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Nawab Muhammad Yusuf Talpur, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, Sardar Nabil. Ahmed Gabol, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, Mian Javed Latif, Mr. Naseer Bhutta, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mr. Hamayun Saifullah Khan, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Mr. Abdul Waseem, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Mr. A. Matin Khan, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai.
| Islamabad, September 16, 2008 |
Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman elected Chairman Kashmir Committee |
FAZL=UR-RAHMAN ELECTED CHAIRMAN KASHMIR COMMITTEE
Islamabad, September 16, 2008. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, MNA, Chief of the Jamiat Ulamae Islam has become Chairman of the Special Committee on Kashmir. The Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, constituted recently by the National Assembly, has elected unanimously Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman its Chairman.
Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi, Secretary National Assembly presided over the election process. Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jillani, MNA (PPP) proposed the name of Fazl-ur-Rahman, MNA for the post of Chairman and Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA [PML(N)] seconded it. There was no other contestant. The following members of the Committee were present.
Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Ch. Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, Mr. Shahid Hussain Bhutto, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, Mian Javed Latif, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Mr. Hamayun Saifullah Khan, Mr. Abdul Waseem, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Ms. Bushra Gohar.
After the election, the members of the Committee appreciated the consensus for election of the Chairman. They also advised that suitable material on Kashmir should be prepared by the Secretariat for distribution among people in side as well as outside the country. It was also urged that briefings from the quarters concerned should be had on important aspects of the issue, including construction of dams by India
Syed Khurshid Shah, MNA, Chief Whip, who was also present at the meeting said, the Pakistan Peoples Party is very serious on the Kashmir issue. This is why the Kashmir Committee is the first one among the Committees to become functional. Besides, President Asif Ali Zardari in his meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif has also declared to accord priority to the Kashmir issue.
The Kashmir Committee comprising 31 members, is one of the most important parliamentary bodies and the slot of its Chairman goes to a seasoned and respected politician. In the past, stalwarts like Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, Chauhdary Mohammad Sarwar and Ch. Hamid Nasir Chattha held this important position. Because of the importance of the issue, when the Parliament was not in position the former president Pervez Musharraf also formulated a National Kashmir Committee headed by the Kashmir veteran leader Sardar Abdul Qayyum.
