Pakistan divided over raising Kashmir at ICJ

Pakistan divided over raising Kashmir at ICJ

Imran Khan. (File Photo: IANS)

Islamabad, Aug 21 (IANS) After Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to raise the Kashmir issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Law Ministry is yet to frame its views on the move.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said Pakistan had decided to move the ICJ on Kashmir issue and the Law Ministry would share the details soon. On Wednesday, the Ministry said no decision had been taken.

The Express Tribune, a Pakistan English daily, has reported that opinion over the issue was divided.

A senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader told The Express Tribune that senior party leaders were in touch with Ben Emerson, a London-based lawyer, who advised Pakistan to approach the ICJ on Kashmir issue.

Even the international law experts in Pakistan have expressed astonishment over the government's decision. The opinion is said to be divided due to the jurisdictional issue.

According to international law expert Taimur Malik, the matter can be referred to the ICJ but its opinion is only advisory in nature and not binding to the parties concerned. But it could help Pakistan make the Kashmir issue 'international', he added.

Malik also said it would be difficult to put India in the dock due to various provisions of the international law as India reserves the right on bilateral issues at the ICJ.

--IANS

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