Syed Fakhar Imam (Federal Minister): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ajit Doval, Amit Shah and the cabinet has completely violated international laws by abrogating Article 370 to strip Jammu and Kashmir from its special status. Indian government also revoked Article 35-A as per which the non-Kashmiris can purchase and sale land in the disputed territory. It is in clear violation of the UN resolutions. United Nations itself declared Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory. What Indian government is doing in IIOJ&K is open violation of the UN resolutions. The Kashmiris must be given their legitimate right to decide for their future. India has deputed over 900,000 security personnel in the occupied valley and they are using rape as weapon of war. Moreover, Kashmiri youth is being arrested and taken to undisclosed places in order to pressurize their families. Even though, three meetings of UNSC have been held in the last 18 months over Kashmir, but the issue is yet unresolved. On the other hand, Kashmiris have expressed exemplary patience, courage, resistance and bravery against brutal use of force by Indian forces and its grave human rights violations. Pakistan is determined to continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan is effectively advocating Kashmir issue at the international front. All the SAARC members sans India are well aware of New Delhi’s hegemonic designs and plans. Pakistan has an opportunity to strengthen its relations with all the SAARC members and neighboring countries in order to garner more support on Kashmir dispute.

Dr. Khurram Iqbal (IR Expert): The importance of ongoing seventh edition of the multinational maritime exercise AMAN-2021 is vital keeping in view the international perspective. We have been observing global changes at the time and the world is shifting into certain blocks. Pakistan is playing the role of a bridge between these blocks. The AMAN exercise is aimed at countering the maritime challenges like piracy, terrorism, pollution and others. Foreign Minister has rightly stated that India is going to induct advanced weapons systems and naval delivery platforms in pursuit of its hegemonic designs in the Indian Ocean. India with some of its allies also conducted maritime exercises but the motive of these was to counter China with US support. The mandate of AMAN exercise is against the conventional threats rather than any country. India has no outside threat but its hegemonic designs are becoming threat for the regional countries. Indian hegemonic dreams will never come true as Pakistan is countering every Indian move in this regard. Pakistan's military system is only for self-defense but Islamabad will use its might against any Indian aggression as well. The ongoing naval drill is a triumph of our maritime diplomacy. Pakistan, besides defending its maritime frontiers, would adopt a responsible strategy on blue economy for sustainable use of the ocean resources. Foreign Minister also uttered the commitment that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with friendly countries to promote blue economy.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ejaz Awan (Defense Analyst): The world is very much aware of the prevailing situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir especially since the last 18 months. The entire valley has turned into the world's largest prison. The Indian forces have set the worst example of human rights abuses. The cluster bombs and pellet guns are being used on innocent Kashmiris. Entire Hurriyet leadership is either under house arrest or shifted to Tihar and other notorious Indian jails. Kashmiris have rendered countless sacrifices against Indian brutalities to get their right to self-determination. Pakistan is continuing its moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri people. We have been highlighting Kashmir issue at all international forums. It is responsibility of OIC, United Nations and other international organizations to ensure implementation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir issue. It is also a fact that not only Kashmiris but also other minorities, including Indian Muslims, are being killed by RSS goons in broad daylight while the world is acting as a silent spectator. It is responsibility of the world powers to take serious notice of the terrorism of Indian government in IIOJ&K.

Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui (Economist): We have never witnessed such an increase in foreign remittances in the past as we are seeing now. Increase in foreign remittances has compensated the loss of declining exports to some extent. The foreign remittances also contribute to the foreign reserves of the country which is in the surplus now. The remittances remained above the $2 billion mark in December 2020 for the seventh month in a row. In the first half of 2020-21, inflows totaled USD 14.2 billion. Developing countries like Pakistan have been hit hard due to poor infrastructure and social safety nets. However, it is encouraging that remittances in Pakistan have risen to a record high level. For maintaining the health of external sector, Pakistan needs to maintain the current level of monthly remittances of $2 billion plus and gradually take it to the next level. Increasing flow of remittances in Pakistan represents exciting news for an economy otherwise devastated by the pandemic.

Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig (Economist): The incumbent government has ensured certain reforms with the focus on strengthening the economy of the country. As a result of prudent economic policies of the government, tax collection has increased to a great extent. It is a good development that over 480 million dollars have been invested in Naya Pakistan account and Sharia account. Moreover, the rupee value is also getting stronger gradually. Foreign remittances have also witnessed increase as over two billion dollars per month are being sent by overseas Pakistanis to home. Another positive development is that the current account deficit, that was always observed negative in the past, is in surplus now which is a great achievement of the government’s economic team. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also directed to involve the private sector in development projects to ease the financial burden on the government.