Pakistan's Parliament Faces Ruckus as Imran Khan Skips Discussion on Kashmir Row
Khan, who had expressed disapproval of his counterpart Narendra Modi-led regime's decision to dilute Article 370 and abrogate Article 35(A) -- which barred non-Kashmiris from buying land or permanently settling in J&K -- had on Monday claimed that India's unilateral move could trigger fresh tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Islamabad, August 6: Chaotic scenes were witnessed in the Pakistan national assembly on Tuesday as Prime Minister Imran Khan skipped the joint legislative session called for discussing the recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir, where the Indian government has revoked the region's special status.
Khan, who had expressed disapproval of his counterpart Narendra Modi-led regime's decision to dilute Article 370 and abrogate Article 35(A) -- which barred non-Kashmiris from buying land or permanently settling in J&K -- had on Monday claimed that India's unilateral move could trigger fresh tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Rahul Gandhi Breaks Silence on Article 370 Row: 'Tearing Apart J&K Won't Further National Integration'
"India's move will further deteriorate relations between nuclear-capable neighbours," Khan was quoted as telling the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad by a Foreign Office statement.
The political opposition, meanwhile, mounted a spree of attack against Khan for failing to pre-empt the move by New Delhi and raising alarm bells on the global stage.
A joint session of the Parliament was subsequently called by the government to discuss the issue. However, Khan's absence left the House in disarray with opposition lawmakers staging a walkout.
Update by ANI:
Visuals From Pakistan Parliament:
Maryam Nawaz, daughter of jailed former PM Nawaz Sharif, accused Khan of falling into a "trap" while boasting about his government's ability to bring US President Donald Trump onboard the Kashmir issue.
"You Mr Khan (Imran Khan) failed to anticipate what was coming and were either completely oblivious to the preparations that the Indian government was undertaking or were a part of that," she said.
"We the people of Pakistan must be told what commitments were sought by and given to the US by Imran Khan," she said.
"Was the offer for mediation a trap that you walked into and gloated over, or you, as usual, had no clue about what was being planned by the enemy?" Maryam further added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2019 01:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).