India requests Pakistan to review decision regarding diplomatic ties

Following the decision of National Security Committee (NSC) to downgrade its diplomatic ties with New Delhi, the baffled government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Pakistani authorities to review its stance and normalize the trade relations.

According to international media, Ministry of External Affairs in India has requested Pakistan to mull over the NSC decisions in order to open the doors for negotiations.

The development came after NSC decided to suspend trade ties with arch rival India who, on Monday, scrapped Articles 370 and 35A which give special status to the occupied Kashmir.

The announcement was made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah during his address in Rajya Sabha, upper house of Indian parliament. He said, "Kashmir will no longer be a state. It will be divided into two union territories - Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, which will be without a legislature." He also told that the valley would be re-organized geographically.

In the aftermath of escalating Kashmir situation, the Foreign Office in Islamabad had asked India to withdraw its High Commissioner. The ministry said, "Pursuant to the decision of the NSC, the Government of India has been told to withdraw its High Commissioner to Pakistan."

The ties between Pakistan and India continue to deteriorate as media reports said more than 500 people were rounded up in the latest crackdown in occupied Kashmir, which is under a strict curfew to suppress any unrest in response to the loss of autonomy.

Tens of thousands of Indian troops are enforcing the lockdown which includes no internet or phone services, and are allowing only limited movement on streets.

Earlier, following the orders of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria left Islamabad to leave Pakistan via Wagah border in the aftermath of escalating occupied Kashmir situation after abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A which special status to the valley. According to details, Ajay Bisaria has fulfilled his duties in Pakistan for one year, seven months and 25 days.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the first meeting of the National Development Council at the PM Secretariat in Islamabad to review the current economic situation in the country. COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa participated in the NDC meeting as a member along with Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and CM Gilgit Baltistan.

The other members of the NDC including Chief Ministers of all four provinces, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Federal Minister for Finance, Adviser to the PM on Finance, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Federal Minister for Commerce, Adviser to the PM on Commerce, Industries, Production and Investment will also attend the meeting.