Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad publicly rejected National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement regarding Pakistan, asserting that Islamabad remains an adversary to both India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to Abdullah’s claim that Pakistan’s international advocacy on Kashmir serves to protect local residents, Azad voiced strong disagreement in a statement shared on X. “I respect Farooq sahab, but his statement is completely incorrect. If anyone is an enemy of India and the people of J&K, it is Pakistan,” Azad wrote.
Azad pointed to ongoing public unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), noting that residents there continue to protest for basic human and civil rights. He also acknowledged the efforts of successive Indian central governments since Independence, crediting them with driving key infrastructure and socio-economic development across the region.
The exchange comes amid heightened political rhetoric in the region, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP and other political leaders who have challenged Abdullah’s position.
