ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has telephoned a senior official of the European Union and a well-known US senator and explained to them Pakistan’s stance on India’s illegal decision to revoke the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under its constitution.

In his conversation on Thursday with Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission, Mr Qureshi said the steps taken by New Delhi could further deteriorate human rights situation in India-held Jammu and Kashmir and even destabilise South Asia.

The minister also apprised the senior EU official of the two letters that Pakistan had sent to the UN secretary general that highlighted the gravity of the situation in the disputed territory.

He also expressed the apprehension that India would stage a fake terrorist attack in the held valley, put the blame on Pakistan and embark upon a misadventure into Pakistani territory.

Any deterioration of the situation on Pakistan’s eastern borders could jeopardise the efforts of the international community to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He added the unilateral steps taken by India were against the essence of various resolutions of the United Nations Security Council on Jammu and Kashmir.

Ms Mogherini said the EU was following the situation in South Asia closely and with deep concern. She agreed that any deterioration in the situation in the region could negatively impact the Afghan peace process and also affect the regional security and stability.

All disputes, she said, should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.

The two leaders agreed to stay in touch and continue to work together for peace and stability in South Asia.

The foreign minister also informed Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of the situation obtaining in occupied Kashmir, Dawn.com reported.

Senator Graham expressed the hope that the Trump Administration would help de-escalate the growing crisis.

“Just spoke with the Pakistani foreign minister about the growing crisis in Kashmir. India’s decision to change the status quo must be addressed before it leads to a further escalation of tensions,” said the senator on Twitter late on Wednesday.

“Hope the Trump administration will provide assistance to both Pakistan and India to find a way to de-escalate the current crisis. The last thing the region and the world needs is further military confrontations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2019