Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
“We have seen reports that Pakistan has decided to take certain unilateral actions in respect to its bilateral relations with India.
“This includes the downgrading of our diplomatic relations.
“The intention behind these measures is obviously to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties.
“The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground,” the ministry stated.
The ministry added that “the government of India regrets the steps announced by Pakistan yesterday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.”
Pakistan on Wednesday informed India to withdraw its high commissioner after the country decided to downgrade diplomatic relations and suspend trade ties with India amid recent Kashmir tensions.
On Monday, an official notification was issued in the name of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, revoking the special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Fakhar Imam, Chairman of Pakistan’s National Assembly’s Committee on Kashmir, while addressing a joint session on Wednesday, said that Kashmir was an internationally recognised dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.
He said that on that score the Indian move posed a great threat to peace, security, and stability in South Asia. (Xinhua/NAN)
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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)