Islamabad — Foreign Minister Sahabzada Yaqub Khan today said Pakistan has categorically rejected the Indian claim to Siachin Glacier area which formed part of northern areas of Pakistan.
He assured the National Assembly today that the Foreign Office would do its best to protect Pakistan’s rights in the best possible manner without having to resort to the use of force.
The minister made this statement on an adjournment motion in the National Assembly moved today by Mr. Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar (Gujrat) while referring to Press reports that India has recently reiterated its claim on the Siachin Glacier region.
Sahabzada Yaqub Khan said Siachin Glacier is part of northern areas of Pakistan and is situated to the north of the terminus of the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir. The government of India protested to Pakistan in 1981 for its so-called violation of this area.
The Foreign Minister said that on more than one occasion Pakistan has reiterated the position in official communications to the government of India and categorically rejected the Indian claim to the Siachin Glacier area.
He said the government of India has for the second time put forward its claims to this area. It obviously is not a new occurrence.
Sahabzada Yaqub Khan pointed out that it is a matter on which exchanges of statements and diplomatic notes have taken place already between Pakistan and India over a period of time.
The Foreign Minister assured the Assembly that Pakistan government would take up this matter again with the Indian government.
He confirmed that a number of clashes have taken place in the area within this year and at least three flag meetings of commanders on both sides have already been held to prevent the escalation of fighting.
“Obviously it is desirable that armed conflict in the area is avoided,” Sahabzada Yaqub observed adding that this is the policy to which Pakistan is committed.
Nevertheless, he said, Pakistan shall insist on discussing at appropriate level the matter which is of concern to us all.
“I share the concern of the member and assure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do its best to ensure that the rights of the government of Pakistan are protected in the best possible manner obviously without having resort to the use of force,” he remarked.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 21, 1985
