Fri Feb 06 16:27:19 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Omar Abdullah Dismisses Pakistani Claims on Kashmir as Shehbaz Sharif Revives Old Rhetoric

The Story:
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly refuted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent assertions regarding Kashmir becoming a part of Pakistan. Sharif’s remarks, made during ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reiterated Pakistan’s long-held stance on the region. Abdullah countered by questioning Pakistan’s ability to manage its existing territories, dismissing Sharif’s claims as unrealistic. The exchange underscores the persistent tensions surrounding the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan.

Key Points:

  • Shehbaz Sharif, on Thursday, stated in the Assembly of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that Kashmir is Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and will eventually become part of Pakistan.
  • Omar Abdullah retorted, questioning Pakistan’s capacity to govern its current territories, saying, “They can’t handle what they already have.”
  • India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and shall forever remain” an integral part of the country.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a part of India and that India will reclaim it.
  • Abdullah addressed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), noting that its abeyance hasn’t yet yielded significant benefits for Jammu and Kashmir, but might offer more flexibility in water management for future projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The exchange highlights the enduring and unresolved dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
  • Sharif’s remarks likely serve a domestic political purpose, reinforcing nationalist sentiments within Pakistan.
  • Abdullah’s response reflects a pragmatic view of the situation, questioning Pakistan’s governance capabilities.
  • The Indus Water Treaty remains a relevant point of discussion regarding water resource management in the region.
  • India continues to assert its sovereignty over the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

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