News Desk |
Ministers and officials from the Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) government have regarded US President Donald Trump’s offer to play the role of a “mediator” in the brutal Kashmir conflict as a huge “diplomatic win” for Pakistan, achieved by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval Office, Donald Trump had candid discussion on the issue of Kashmir.
According to Trump, India's Prime Minister Modi "actually said, 'Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said 'Where?' He said, 'Kashmir.'"
India's official spokesman just issued statement saying: "No such request has been made by Prime Minister to the US President." pic.twitter.com/ivjhGwDHT2
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 22, 2019
He offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, and play the role of a “mediator, or an arbitrator” to resolve the bitter conflict that has claimed millions of lives in Indian-occupied Kashmir over the past 70 years. Trump stated, “If can help, I would love to be a mediator.”
Hurriyat leaders and Kashmiri freedom activists have thanked Pakistan for its support, urging Islamabad and Washington to use diplomatic channels and other platforms to bring India to the dialogue table.
Even though Trump’s statement was rejected by India shortly after, it created a dynamic shift in narratives emanating from Washington. Analysts believe that Pakistan has scored a PR coup against New Delhi.
Diplomatic Win for Pakistan
Recently appointed Central Information Secretary for the PTI, Ahmed Jawad, noted on Tuesday, that the entire world is willing to respect and believe in Imran Khan. He PTI leader noted, “In the journey of gaining worldwide credibility, this is indeed the first victory.”
PTI’s Central Information Secretary added, “Never a President of USA & Prime Minister of Pakistan had such a long discussion on the issue of Kashmir. Biggest achievement of PM Imran Khan in US trip is the acceptance of Kashmir issue & even offering mediation by USA.”
Never a President of USA & Prime Minister of Pakistan had such long discussion on the issue of Kashmir. Biggest achievement of PM Imran Khan in US trip is acceptance of Kashmir issue & even offering mediation by USA #PTI @ImranKhan #Imrankhan #Trump
— Ahmad Jawad (@AhmadJawadBTH) July 22, 2019
Referring to US President Trump’s remark where he noted that the “beautiful valley of Kashmir has been littered with bombs”, Jawad regarded it as a global acceptance of the Kashmiri plight, and a massive “diplomatic win” for Pakistan.
Read more: Trump-Imran meeting: Political Afghan solution, US mediation in Kashmir
Kamran Khan Bangash, Special Assistant to CM for Science & Technology and IT, stated that the Prime Minister has made his country proud. Bangash, sharing his views on Twitter, noted, “How confidently you represented the nation. You excelled at putting your points across with diplomacy, raised your voice for Kashmir & shut all critics with the most dignified display of humility.”
PM @ImranKhanPTI has made us all proud with his successful visit to the US. How confidently u represented the nation.U excelled at putting ur points across with diplomacy, raised ur voice for Kashmir & shut all critics with the most dignified display of humility. #WelcomeHomePMIK https://t.co/X0nge2gUo1
— Kamran Khan Bangash PK82 🇵🇰 (@kamrankbangash) July 24, 2019
Shireen Mazari, the Federal Minister for Human Rights, observed that Prime Minister Imran Khan impressively articulated Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan, and addressed the need for India to come to the dialogue table to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Most important in mtg with Trump PM IK stood by Pak position on Afghanistan – that issue cannot be resolved thru mly means – and Kashmir – that India must come to dialogue table. And he did not need parchis to articulate Pakistan's position! #KhanMeetsTrump
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) July 22, 2019
Dr. Mazari noted, “Interesting to learn Modi had asked Trump to play mediator role on Kashmir issue, given how the Indians have always become hysterical when Pakistan has sought third-country mediation! So good shift away from India’s traditional rigid position on bilateralism only!”
Interesting to learn Modi had asked Trump to play mediator role on Kashmir issue given how the Indians have always become hysterical when Pakistan has sought third country mediation! So good shift away from India's traditional rigid position on bilateralism only! #KhanMeetsTrump
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) July 22, 2019
Analysts across the country are echoing the same applause for Imran Khan’s impressive articulation of the Kashmir issue.
Defense analyst, Retired Lt General Ghulam Mustafa observed, “Imran Khan comes up Trumps all the way. His response about the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan, about Iran and KSA, Kashmir Imbroglio and future course for Pakistan-simply brilliant. TG, it wasn’t Nawaz Sharif or Asif Ali Zardari. You made Pakistan proud. Keep up the good work PM.”
Imran Khan comes up Trumps all the way. His response about the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan, about Iran and KSA, Kashmir Imbroglio and future course for Pakistan-simply brilliant. TG, it wasn’t NS or AAZ. You made Pakistan proud. Keep up the good work PM. #ImranKhanUSIP pic.twitter.com/nWZanKSUFH
— Lt General Ghulam Mustafa – (Retd) (@_GhulamMustafa_) July 23, 2019
Support Echoes from Kashmir
Addressing a seminar at the United States Institute of Peace, Imran Khan stated that the resolution of the Kashmir conflict lies with the Kashmir people. Responding to a question on Pakistan’s perspective of Kashmir, Khan said, “I think it should not be the Pakistan people anymore. It should be what the people of Kashmir want. That really is the only solution.”
https://twitter.com/MohammadRaafi/status/1153695719640801281
Kashmiris suffering under a brutal Indian occupation have expressed gratitude to Imran Khan for addressing their cause of freedom at the White House. Hurriyat leaders and Kashmiri freedom activists have thanked Pakistan for its support, urging Islamabad and Washington to use diplomatic channels and other platforms to bring India to the dialogue table.
Syed Ali Geelani, APHC Chairman & Chairman Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, said, “America has to play its role for the freedom of Kashmir. We are thankful to Pakistan for raising the issue of Kashmir.”
https://twitter.com/sageelani/status/1153358438635888640
Geelani added, “Kashmir is a long pending dispute, live on the UN agenda. It has consumed more than three generations of the state and still continues to threaten the existence of yet another generation.”
https://twitter.com/sageelani/status/1153390351681490945
Senior Hurriyat leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, urged the President of the United States to push Pakistan and India towards peace dialogue. Farooq said, “Being the most affected party, the people of Kashmir want an early resolution to the lingering Kashmir conflict. Been urging for dialogue at all levels. Every effort, pushing India and Pakistan in that direction is welcome by the people of J&K.”
Being the most affected party people of #Kashmir want an early resolution to the lingering Kashmir conflict. Been urging for dialogue at all levels.Every effort, pushing India and Pakistan in that direction @POTUS is welcome by the people of J&K.
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) July 23, 2019
Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, urged the two countries to seize the opportunity of forging peace through dialogue.
Sharing her views on Twitter, Mufti commented, “Despite GOI refuting idea of third party mediation on J&K, the disclosure made by Trump marks a huge policy shift. Even though the USA doesn’t hold a great record in resolving protracted conflicts, hope both countries seize this opportunity to forge peace through dialogue.”
Despite GOI refuting idea of third party mediation on J&K, the disclosure made by Trump marks a huge policy shift. Even though USA doesn’t hold a great record in resolving protracted conflicts, hope both countries seize this opportunity to forge peace through dialogue.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 23, 2019
Mushal Hussein Malick, the wife of senior Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, who is languishing in India’s notorious Tihar Jail, also welcomed Imran Khan’s request to Trump to play the role of a mediator and resolving the Kashmir conflict as per the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick welcomes #American President #Donald #Trump’s intention to play the role of a Mediator between India and Pakistan on Kashmir Issue during meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister #ImranKhan #kashmirneedsattention #India #Pakistan #KashmirIssue pic.twitter.com/dtFBPFIOU1
— Mushaal Hussein Mullick (@MushaalMullick) July 23, 2019