Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Security, Dr. Moeed Yusuf, has said that Russia has endorsed Pakistan’s new political map during a virtual meeting of the National Security Advisers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held on Tuesday.
While addressing a media briefing after the SCO meeting, the National Security Advisor revealed that all SCO members unanimously dismissed India’s objections over Pakistan’s political map.
“Pakistan proudly displayed the political map at the SCO meeting, while the Indian objections were rejected by the member countries and even Russia sided with Pakistan on the issue.
Last month, PM Imran Khan had approved Pakistan’s first-ever political map which showed Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) as a part of Pakistan.
During the SCO meeting, Dr. Yusuf unequivocally stated that India has violated the UN Charter by unilaterally changing the status of a disputed territory.
“Unilateral and illegal actions in an internationally recognized disputed territory of IOK is a threat to regional peace and prosperity. Kashmir was neither part of India nor it would ever be.
Indian National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, walked out of the SCO meeting during Dr. Yusuf’s speech.
Besides, the SAPM on National Security reassured SCO members about Pakistan’s commitment to ensure peace and stability in the region.
In the run-up to the SCO meeting, Russia, being the host country, had asked the technical committees of the member states to test their equipment in order to ensure no technical issues crop up during the meeting.
During the technical test, India raised objections over Pakistan’s political map which was displayed on the wall of its meeting room. India officially registered a complaint with Russia as well.
Russia apprised Pakistan with India’s disapproval and subsequent complaint, requesting the removal of the political map from the wall of Pakistan’s meeting room.
In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry told Russia that the removal of the political map, which is in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and international laws, from anywhere is unquestionable.