Only outstanding issue with Pakistan is liberating PoK, says government

New Delhi: The government on Sunday strongly reacted to Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit's remark on Kashmir's "freedom", saying the "only outstanding issue is how to liberate part of J&K which is under illegal occupation of Islamabad."

MoS in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said, "Our stand is very clear in the context of J&K issue. If at all there is any outstanding issue with Pakistan it is how to liberate the part of J&K which remains under illegal occupation of Islamabad after 60-65 years of Independence and make it a part of J&K and part of the Indian Union.

"Whatever goes on in Islamabad and on behalf of Pakistani authorities is a reflection of confusion and frustration they suffer from," he said.

Earlier in the day, while participating in Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations at its High Commission in Delhi Basit said, "Pakistan will continue to extend its full diplomatic, political and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir till they get their right to self determination."

He went on to say, "As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, we are dedicating this year's Indepedence Day to the freedom of Kashmir. And we firmly believe that the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not go in vain."