Pakistan government to call back High Commissioner from India: Report

Amid a sudden spike in tension across the Valley following Narendra Modi government's decision to revoke Article 370, Pakistan is considering to call back its High Commissioner from India, according to reports. The High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan to India is currently in Pakistan but is scheduled to take charge on August 16. However, the Imran Khan government is planning to call back the Acting High Commissioner for consultaions anytime soon.

"High Commissioner designate of Pakistan to India is already in Pakistan, he is to take charge on 16th August. However, Acting High Commissioner to India can be called back for Consultations: Pakistan media," the news agency ANI reported quoting Pakistani media.

High Commissioner designate of Pakistan to India is already in Pakistan, he is to take charge on 16th August. However, Acting High Commissioner to India can be called back for Consultations: Pakistan media https://t.co/BrbW6M4NWH

— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan summoned Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria to the Foreign Office and conveyed a "strong demarche on the announcements made and actions taken" by the Government of India over Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Indian government on Monday revoked Article 370 of the Constitution which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

"The Foreign Secretary conveyed Pakistan's unequivocal rejection of these illegal actions as they are in breach of international law and several UN Security Council resolutions," Foreign Office said in a statement.

Pakistan's "resolute condemnation of the unlawful actions aimed at further consolidating the illegal occupation" of Jammu and Kashmir was underscored, it added. The foreign secretary also condemned the "preceding pre-meditated steps" such as complete lock-down of Kashmir, deployment of additional troops, imposition of curfew, house arrest of Kashmiri leaders and suspension of communication services, among others, it said.

READ | Firmly stand by Kashmiris, shall go to any extent to fulfil our obligations: Pakistan Army

Pakistan's consistent opposition to all Indian "attempts to change the demographic structure and final status" of Jammu and Kashmir was emphasized, the statement added. The foreign secretary called upon India to "halt and reverse its unlawful and destabilizing actions, ensure full compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, and refrain from any further action that could entail serious implications". He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people's "struggle for realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination".

(With inputs from agencies)