Pakistan to move ICJ over recent developments in Kashmir issue

Islamabad, Aug 20: Pakistan will reportedly move the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the recent developments in Kashmir. The BJP-led government on August 5 scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's special status by revoking the Article 370 and also decided to bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.

Pakistan has been strongly criticising the India's move alleging that New Delhi cannot take such a decision 'unilaterally' which Islamabad considers disputed. India however maintained that the recent changes in legislation pertaining to Kashmir is totally an internal matter of India.

China on behalf of Pakistan also called for a UNSC meeting on Kashmir. Pakistan has launched an all-out campaign from all its embassies against New Delhi and knocked every door for help. In an effort to bring the matter to UNSC, Pakistan wrote twice to the body, urging it to begin emergency meeting on the issue. After failing to do so, Pakistan sought China's help. Even at the UNSC, it had to bite dust.

At the end of the meeting on Friday, China and Pakistan stood isolated as member after member refused to endorse their position.

What is ICJ or International Court Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946.

The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (United States of America).

The Court's role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is assisted by a Registry, its administrative organ. Its official languages are English and French.