Islamabad, Sep 12 (UNI) Pakistan Interior Minister Brigadier Ijaz Ahmed Shah has created ripples in the political circles by his recent statement, saying that when it comes to Kashmir, people across the world have placed their trust on India, rather than Pakistan.
Appearing on a talk show on Pakistani news channel Hum News on Wednesday, the former military officer said, "People do not believe us in the international community. We say they [India] impose curfew and are not giving medicines to people of Jammu and Kashmir. People do not believe us, but they believe them.
'The ruling elite has destroyed the country. The ruling elite of this country destroyed the name. People think we are not a serious nation," Brig Shah added.
When asked whether Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, apart from former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Pervez Musharraf were a part of the ruling elite, the former spy chief said, "Everyone is responsible. Pakistan should now do a soul searching."
The Minister's remarks came a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during a United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet," after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.
India had rejected Mr Qureshi's allegations and hit back, saying a "fabricated narrative" on Jammu and Kashmir has come from "the epicentre of global terrorism" and from a nation, which conducts cross-border terrorism as a form of 'alternate diplomacy.
The neighbouring country has faced isolation from across the globe, after its efforts to garner support on the Kashmir fell flat.
India's decision has been hailed internationally, with several countries, including the US, calling the move as India's internal matter.
However, Pakistan was told to engage bilaterally with India, while the latter has stuck to it's previous stand, stating that talks with Pakistan are only possible, after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.
UNI XC RJ 1524