Kashmir Issue: Pakistan to observe nation-wide protests today

Khan tweeted: "We must send a strong message to Kashmiris that our nation stands resolutely behind them. So I am asking all Pakistanis for half an hour tomorrow stop whatever you are doing & come out on the road to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people."

Pakistan will be observing Kashmir Solidarity Hour on Friday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Thursday carried out night-training launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Ghaznavi’, officials said.

Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted: "Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC & Services Chiefs congrat team. President & PM conveyed appreciation to team & congrats to the nation."

Relationship between India and Pakistan touched new lows following the Pulwama attack in February.

Things further deteriorated after the Indian government recently made several crucial moves regarding Jammu and Kashmir which included the scrapping of the Article 370 which gave special status to the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government made major announcements by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A that had granted special power to the former state.

The government bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with an assembly and Ladakh without an assembly.

Article 35A of the Indian Constitution allowed the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and also provided special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.

Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, flag and right to handle its own laws except on matters that impact national security.

US makes fresh observation:

In the wake of the Kashmir development which had intensified the tension between India and Pakistan, the United States expressed that it is "very concerned by reports of detentions and the continued restrictions on the residents of the region."

"We urge respect for human rights, compliance with legal procedures, and an inclusive dialogue with those affected," a US State Department spokesperson said.

In an indirect warning to Pakistan, he said there is a need to "maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control and to prevent cross-border terrorism". 

"We welcome Prime Minister Modi's statement that Jammu and Kashmir will soon return to a normal political status... We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," the spokesperson added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump were before the media and Trump said that the Kashmir issue had been discussed between the two leaders. He agreed that the issues between India and Pakistan are 'bilateral in nature' and as Modi said, both nations could sort them out.

"The issues of India and Pakistan are bilateral. I believe together we can sort out our issues," Modi told media with Trump sitting by his side with his body language all through clearly indicating that India got an upper hand in Kashmir diplomacy.

Highlighting that Kashmir issue was discussed between them, Trump had said, "US is a good friend with both India and Pakistan."

Trump, whose offer to mediate earlier had rattled India, said the PM has informed him that the situation in Kashmir is under control.

Modi rejected any scope for a third party mediation on Kashmir saying "we don't want to trouble any third country."