Question : POK AS PART OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN

(a) whether Pakistan proposes to make northern areas of Pakistan occupied Kashmir of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Islamic Republic of Pakistan;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard; and

(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M.KRISHNA)

(a) In August 2009, the Government of Pakistan issued the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009. Pakistan maintains that the Order does not derogate from, or in any manner prejudice, it’s declared stand on Jammu and Kashmir.

(b) & (c) The Government of India protested on September 11, 2009 to the Government of Pakistan regarding the so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order -2009”. Pakistan has for the past six decades denied the basic rights to the people in those parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir under its illegal occupation. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The so-called ‘Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order -2009’ and the ”elections” in Gilgit-Baltistan held on 12 November 2009 are yet another cosmetic exercise intended to camouflage Pakistan’s illegal occupation. Government is committed to ensure that the territorial integrity of India is not compromised under any circumstances. Under the Simla Agreement, the Government is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan through peaceful negotiations and bilateral dialogue.