Supporting Kashmiris is doing 'jihad', says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan, on his return from the U.S. on Sunday, said that those standing by Kashmiris were doing "jihad" and Pakistan will support Kashmiris even if the world does not.

PM Khan, who focussed on the Kashmir issue in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, told his party workers at the airport here that whether the world is with the Kashmiris or not, "we are standing with them."

"It (standing by Kashmiris) is jihad. We are doing it because we want Allah to be happy with us," he said.

"It is a struggle and do not lose heart when the time is not good. Do not be disappointed as the Kashmiris are looking towards you," PM Khan said, adding that "Kashmiris would win if the Pakistani people stood by their side."

Mr. Khan on Friday raised the Kashmir issue in his address to the UNGA and demanded that India must lift the "inhuman curfew" in Kashmir and release all "political prisoners."

In his speech that went on for about 50 minutes, far exceeding the 15-minute limit for UN speeches during the General Debate, Mr. Khan devoted half of his address to the Kashmir issue, warning that if there's face-off between two nuclear-armed neighbours, the consequences would be far beyond their borders.

His speech was in contrast to PM Narendra Modi's message from the same podium few minutes earlier, in which he said India is a country that has "given the world, not war, but Buddha's message of peace."

Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue after India withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, but New Delhi has asserted the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter."

India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian ambassador.

India ended Jammu and Kashmir's special status by abrogating Article 370 of its Constitution on August 5.