Member EU Parliament criticises Arabs for silence on Kashmir issue
LONDON: Conservative
Member of the European Parliament Dr Sajjad Karim has said that protests
worldwide against Gaza atrocities are being led and helped by Pakistanis, Arab
rulers and organisations simply refuse to stand up for the rights of oppressed
Kashmiris.
The North West England MEP
said that it was unfortunate that not a single Arab government has ever raised
the Palestinian issue with him in the European Parliament.
Sajjad Karim MEP said that
on the issue of Indian held Kashmir, the Arab governments firmly stood by
India, not Pakistan and this is a fact Pakistanis must digest. “When it comes
to Kashmir all to often they are seen standing with the oppressors.”
Speaking to The News, Dr
Sajjad Karim said that the horrendous suffering of Kashmiris may not make it
onto TV screens and highlighting the plight of Kashmiris may not be trendy
amongst many circles in the world “but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening”.
He added: “Kashmirs have
been oppressed and they are under attack on daily basis by the Indian
government but we don’t hear about that often in western media. Pakistanis
across the globe must remember the Kashmiris’ plight also. Its Pakistanis who
are leading the protests against Isreal, they should speak up for Kashmiris
too.”
Sajjad Karim said that
from the International community once again “we see the same silence that is
officially pronounced for the suffering experienced in Kashmir and Myanmar is
also meted out for the Palestinians. Except there is one difference and that is
the public consciousness which tries to take a stand for the Palestinians.”
Sajjad Karim MEP said that
as Pakistanis all over the world take to the street to protest they must keep in
mind the fundamental question - “what is the official position of these same
Arab states when it comes to the long suffering people of Kashmir? Pakistanis
should first ask where do Arab states stand on Kashmir before placing
themselves on front line in Arab issues.”
Sajjad Karim said that for
many rich and influential Arab states, the issue of Kashmir doesn’t matter
because of their dealings with the Indian government over trade and commerce.He
called on the Pakistani government to also reflect why there is confusion over
the issue of Kashmir as official position keeps changing and there is so much
more that could be done to highlight the issue.
Dr Sajjad Karim said that
for the EU - India free trade agreement negotiations, he ensured that a
specific paragraph on human right abuses in Indian occupied Kashmir is
included. “This ensures that so far as EU trade with India is concerned Kashmir
cannot be ignored. No such constraints exist for the Arab nations and
Pakistanis on an individual basis need to show greater maturity in assessing
their responses to international situations.”
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