ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern to the UN Secretary General over efforts to pass into law the controversial Geospatial Information Regulation Bill which “aims to restrict geographical depictions of India and disputed Kashmir to those that are government-approved.”
Under the draft bill, anyone distributing a map the Indian government deems to be “wrong” could be liable for a billion-rupee fine and jail time.
Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said India’s “incorrect and legally untenable” official map, in violation of UNSC resolutions, displays the disputed territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as part of India. Through the passage of this Bill, New Delhi would be able to penalize the individuals and organizations that depict Kashmir as a disputed territory in accordance with UNSC resolutions, Zakaria said.
New Delhi already imposes tight restrictions on maps but if it becomes law, the bill would impose specific penalties for the first time.
A letter sent to the UN in this regard calls on the body to uphold the UNSC resolutions and urge India to stop acts that are in violation of international law.
Pakistan also urged the international community and UN to fulfil their commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by holding an independent and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices.
Pakistan ‘concerned’ over India’s maps bill
Pakistan ‘concerned’ over India’s maps bill
