"Kashmir political issue for them, emotional one for us": Pawan Khera reacts to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's UN remarks
Congress leader Pawan Khera slams Shehbaz Sharif's UN remarks on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, calling Kashmir an emotional issue for India.
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the latter's recent comments at the United Nations General Assembly regarding the Kashmir dispute and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Responding to Sharif's characterization of Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein," Khera emphasized that the territory holds a profound significance for India that transcends mere politics.
Kashmir is an emotional issue for India
Speaking to the media, Khera highlighted the distinction between how the two nations view the territory. He noted that while the Pakistani leadership treats the matter as a political tool, the sentiment in India is much deeper.
"Kashmir might be a political issue for them, but for us, it's an emotional one. For the BJP, Kashmir is just Kashmir, but for us, Kashmir also means the people of Kashmir. They live right in our hearts," Khera stated.
He dismissed the impact of Sharif's rhetoric, suggesting that the Prime Minister's statements at the UN do not change the reality on the ground. "So let's just leave it to Shehbaz Sharif to say whatever he wants to say. What difference does it make?" he added.
War threats and the Indus Waters Treaty
The confrontation extended to the Indus Waters Treaty. During his UN address, Shehbaz Sharif claimed that any attempt by India to stop or divert Pakistan's share of the river waters would be viewed as an "act of war." He further argued that India's decision to hold the treaty in abeyance lacks legal standing.
Khera countered this by pointing toward Pakistan's own history of aggression. "What do you have to say about the act of war Pakistan has been carrying out against us for years?" he questioned.
The Congress leader also touched upon the geopolitical dynamics involving the United States, suggesting that India should remain focused on its own foreign policy rather than being distracted by the interactions of other world leaders.
Sharif's UN claims and domestic turmoil
Sharif's speech at the UN came at a time when Pakistan is grappling with significant economic distress and internal political unrest, including protests over the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In his address, Sharif attempted to internationalize the Kashmir issue, making several claims regarding:
- The need for a United Nations-led plebiscite.
- Allegations of illegal occupation and human rights violations in the region.
- Credit for a "success" in a May 2025 conflict, citing intervention by US President Donald Trump.
India has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor was a result of direct communication between the two militaries and that Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral and inalienable part of India.
Clarity on CEC impeachment motion
Shifting focus to domestic issues, Khera addressed the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. He indicated that more information would be available soon, stating that the party would seek further clarity in the coming days.
Khera also raised serious allegations regarding the integrity of the electoral process, claiming that there is widespread concern over "vote theft" and suggesting that some governments are being formed through undemocratic means.