FM Qureshi draws UN attention towards deteriorating security situation in South Asia

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD:  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has written a letter to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres drawing his attention to the deteriorating security situation in the South Asia after Indian threats of using force against Pakistan.

According to Foreign Office statement, in his letter to UN Secretary General, he wrote;

 “It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India.

The Pulwama attack on Indian Central Reserve Police Force was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident of Indian Occupied Kashmir. Attributing it to Pakistan even before investigations is absurd.

 For domestic political reasons, India has deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment. It has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty.  This would be a grievous error.

It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation.  The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions.

India must be asked to conduct an open and credible investigation on Pulwama incident.

You may also consider asking India to refrain from further escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan and the Kashmiris to calm the situation down.

I request that this letter be circulated to members of the Security Council and General Assembly.”

The Pulwama attack

On 14 February 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district of India-Ocuupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The attack resulted in the death of more than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and the attacker. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. A local youth named Adil Ahmed Dar was identified as the attacker.

Indian media and politicians have since been blaming Pakistan for the attack without any evidence.