Pakistan expels...

The situation in Kashmir remained ‘peaceful’ but tense. A near-communications blackout made it difficult to gauge the situation on the ground, but over 500 political workers and leaders are in police detention, officials said.

In Islamabad, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), attended by top civil and military leadership, during which it decided to expel Bisaria, suspend bilateral trade and review “bilateral arrangements”. It, however, did not specify any time line for India to pull back its envoy. “The Indian government has also been informed that Pakistan will not be sending its high commissioner-designate to India,” a statement issued after the meeting said.

Pakistan will also take the matter (the abolition of Article 370 by India) to the United Nations, including the Security Council, the statement said. Pakistan would observe this Independence Day on August 14 in solidarity with Kashmiris. “August 15 will be observed as Black Day,” it added.

Prime Minister Khan also directed that all diplomatic channels be activated to highlight the alleged human rights violations in the Valley. He directed the military to continue vigilance, the statement said.

Foreign, defence and interior ministers of Pakistan attended the meeting. The NSC met after the meeting of top military generals and a rare joint session of parliament on the Kashmir issue on Tuesday.