Pak describes slain Hizbul commander as 'freedom fighter'

Islamabad, Jul 14: Upping the ante, Pakistan today described slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani and other militants as people "fighting for freedom" and accused Indian security forces of committing "state-terrorism" in Kashmir.

"The Indian security forces are involved in state- terrorism in Kashmir and the international community should take notice of it," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said at his weekly briefing here. In response to a question, Zakaria described slain Hizbul commander Wani and other militants as people "fighting for freedom."

He said Pakistan has informed the international community including the OIC, P-5 and EU about alleged atrocities by the Indian forces and human rights violations in Kashmir. Zakaria said Pakistan's ambassadors have been tasked to brief the host governments and human rights organisations on the issue.

He also asked the UN to get its resolutions on Kashmir implemented as it was UN's responsibility to solve international disputes including Kashmir.

"We want resolution of Kashmir in accordance of UN resolutions. If you (UN) want to intervene in helping resolution of Kashmir then it is your obligation," he said. He said Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir with India through talks, as war is not a solution to any issue.

"We have fought wars over Kashmir and also have been in talks but there was no result. So, the international community should put pressure on India to hold talks with Pakistan for resolution of Kashmir issue," he said.

Zakaria claimed that India was not qualified to become a permanent member of UNSC as it was constantly violating UN resolutions. To a question, he said that the planned SAARC Summit will be held in November in Islamabad.

PTI