ISLAMABAD: If there is political will, the impossible between Pakistan and India appears to be possible as far as people-to-people contacts are concerned, and it became clear on Friday, especially at a time when bilateral ties are at an all-time low. are on the level. ,
First, while it is very difficult for citizens of both countries to obtain visas, Pakistan issued a visa to an Indian national who had not met his brother for 74 years, and India later announced that it would increase the number of pilgrimage sites. ready to join with Pakistan. Methods of travel and travel between pilgrims from both sides. The Pakistan High Commission on Friday issued visa to Indian national Sika Khan to visit Pakistan and meet his family.
Recently, Sika Khan was reunited with his brother Mohammad Siddiqui at the visa-free Kartarpur Sahib Corridor after 74 years, as they were separated during Partition in 1947.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that India and Pakistan are interested in both India and Pakistan to increase the number of modes of travel and means of travel under the 1974 Protocol, adding that India takes a positive view on the matter. and is ready to engage Pakistan. This.
The Protocol on Visit to Religious Places 1974 is a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan that facilitates Indian and Pakistani citizens to visit certain religious places in both countries.
In November 2018, 15 locations in Pakistan and five in India were covered under this protocol. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “As you are aware, under the 1974 protocol between India and Pakistan, visits to religious places are being done regularly. There is interest on both sides to expand the agreed list of religious places and mode of travel. It naturally needs to be discussed under the protocol."
However, he said that there is a restriction on movement and gatherings at present in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As soon as the situation returns to normal, we hope that this time can be used to hold discussions under the bilateral protocol. It is our hope to facilitate the exchange of visits to all the shrines of interest to the pilgrims,” he said.
However, at IIOJ&K, Pakistan once again urged the members of the international community to play its due role in holding India responsible for its atrocities at IIOJ&K and enabling Kashmiris to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination given by them. Did. under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Peace and development in South Asia should no longer be held hostage to India's irresponsible and reckless approach. The world is becoming increasingly aware of the dire situation at IIOJ&K. India must be warned that its reign of terror and illegal actions cannot go unchecked”, a Foreign Office spokesperson said during the weekly media briefing.
He said that it is a matter of grave concern that India is witnessing massive human rights violations at IIOJ&K. “These horrific acts have been well documented by the United Nations and international human rights organizations. On various occasions, Pakistan has submitted to the United Nations and the international community evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed by the Indian occupation forces at IIOJ&K. have been,” he said.
Pakistan also continues to draw attention to India's track record of irresponsible state behavior and willful non-compliance with the rules of international law. “For more than seventy years, India has violated the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles, norms and rules of international law. For example, on Jammu and Kashmir, by refusing to implement UNSC resolutions, India remains in constant breach of its obligations under Article 25 of the United Nations Charter, which stipulates that "members of the United Nations shall abide by the decisions of the United Nations". Agree to accept and implement the Security Council ”, the spokesperson said.