On August 4, 2020, almost one year since the Narendra Modi government revoked autonomy status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan PM Imran Khan unveiled a new political map of the country.
In the map, Pakistan has claimed the entire J&K territory. Also, the PTI chief observed August 5, 2020, as Kashmir Seize Day (Youm-e-Istehsal).
Last year, on August 5, the Indian government announced the abrogation of Article 370, lifting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir along with Ladakh. The move led to the creation of J&K and Ladakh as a Union Territory.
The PTI leader used words such as ‘illegal and forceful’ to describe the move made by the Modi government last year.
Even the Minister of Foreign Affairs made bold claims about Siachen and Kashmir being a part of Pakistan. The ministers talked about the illegal occupation of India in the territory in unison.
Kashmir has been the front of an age-old political and military warfare, since the two countries got their independence. As many as three wars between India and Pakistan were fought over Kashmir.
Many welcomed Modi government’s move of the abrogation of Article 370, while others questioned the humanitarian atrocities committed over the civilians of J&K.
On the other hand, the Pakistan cricket team stood in solidarity with Imran’s decision to create a new map and observe Youm-e-Istehsal.
The team is currently involved in a three-match Test series with hosts England. Captain Azhar Ali, post first day’s play of the opening Test match at Manchester, was asked about the debatable issue, in a virtual press conference.
Ali reckoned that politics should be kept away from cricket but stood in solidarity with the Pakistani Prime Minister.
Here’s the video:
https://twitter.com/SuhailGaffar/status/1290667789263372289
After the first day’s play, visitors Pakistan stood firm at 139/2 on the back of Babar Azam’s fluent knock of 69*. He found good support in Shan Masood at the other end, who scored 46* off 152 balls.
