Pakistan expresses concerns over Akhand Bharat idea peddled by Modi govt

Pakistan has expressed grave concern over the idea of Akhand Bharat being increasingly peddled by the ruling Indian dispensation led by Narendra Modi.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad today (Thursday) said a mural installed at the new building of Indian parliament in New Delhi depicts the so-called ancient India including areas that now constitute parts of Pakistan and other regional countries.

“We are appalled at the statements being made by some BJP politicians including the Union Minister linking the mural with Akhand Bharat. This assertion is a manifestation of expansionist mindset that seeks to subjugate the ideology and culture not only of India’s neighbors but also its religious minorities,” she said.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch advised the Indian politicians not to indulge in rhetoric against other countries. She said instead of nurturing hegemonic and expansionist designs, India should resolve disputes with its neighbors for a peaceful and prosperous South Asia.

The spokesperson said Pakistan is deeply concerned over India’s latest move seeking death penalty for prominent Kashmiri leader, Yasin Malik. She said the Kashmiri leader is being held in inhumane conditions in the notorious Tihar Jail despite his deteriorating health. India’s latest move is another instance of political vendetta aimed at silencing the Kashmiri leadership and intimidating the Kashmiri people, she said, adding it is a manifestation of India’s unending and pervasive oppression in IIOJK where political leaders and human rights defenders are routinely incarcerated on trumped up and baseless charges.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch urged the Indian authorities to bring an end to this farce of a trial of Yasin Malik. Yasin Malik must be provided with quality health treatment and allowed to live freely among his people and family, she said. India must also immediately and unconditionally release the Kashmiri leadership and human rights defenders illegally detained in various prisons in IIOJK and across India, she added.