Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Congress-National Conference alliance are aligned on the matter of restoring Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
His comment comes as the region prepares for its first Assembly elections (first phase held on October 18) since the special status of the former state was revoked in 2019.
In an interview with Geo News, Asif mentioned there is a “strong possibility” that the Congress-National Conference alliance could win the elections and take power in the Union Territory.
Asif claimed that the Congress alliance is aligned in its goal to restore Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. While the National Conference has pledged to reinstate Article 370, the Congress has remained silent on the matter, not mentioning it in their manifesto.
However, the Congress has affirmed its commitment to restoring full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
The revocation of Article 370 and the division of the former state into two union territories remains a deeply emotional issue, particularly in the Valley. The restoration of Article 370 features prominently in the manifestos of the National Conference and PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti.
The BJP seized on Asif’s comments, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing Congress of aligning with anti-national forces. Shah emphasized that neither Article 370 nor terrorism would return to Kashmir, criticizing Rahul Gandhi for undermining national interests.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also claimed that Congress consistently sides with those opposed to India’s interests, including Pakistan. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla further argued that Congress is willing to align with Pakistan to oppose Prime Minister of India Modi.
