34th Session UNHRC: Intervention by Mr. Junaid Qureshi - Director EFSAS
10-03-2017, Geneva
Text and video of the Intervention made by Mr. Junaid Qureshi, Director EFSAS, on General Debate Item 3 (Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development) during the 34th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva.
Video of Mr. Junaid Qureshi's Intervention on General Debate Item 3 during the 34th Session of the UNHRC
“Mr. President,
I am a Kashmiri Muslim from the Valley of Jammu & Kashmir, but for me the State of Jammu & Kashmir comprises much more than the Kashmir Valley only. It also includes Jammu, Ladakh, Pakistan Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
China’s presence in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and in particular in Gilgit Baltistan is an extension of its ambitions of reconstructing the ancient Silk Road. The construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, at a cost of 54 billion dollars, is an important pawn in this New Great Game.
I, as a Kashmiri, strongly reject the construction of this corridor of exploitation.
Part of this 3,000-kilometer long Corridor will pass through Gilgit Baltistan, which does not fall within the jurisdiction of the constitution of Pakistan.
Although administered by Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan is an elemental part of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan’s move to illegally annex Gilgit Baltistan, change the fundamentals of the actual Kashmir-issue and cement China’s stake in this dispute, totally negate the interests of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and their future, while jeopardizing any kind of solution to this long standing conflict.
Mr. President,
The construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is illegal and in contravention of international law. It requires your urgent attention and intervention.
Gilgit Baltistan is an integral part of Jammu & Kashmir State. Pakistan has no right to divide Jammu & Kashmir further and sell its resources under the false rubric of infrastructural development.
My homeland Jammu & Kashmir is not for sale.
Thank you”.
