Pakistan has decided to shutdown Samjhauta Express in response to Indian provocative act to change the status quo in Occupied Kashmir.

Announcing the move at a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday afternoon, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said he will not let the train run during his minister-ship. He asked India to take back coaches and engines of the train. He said the bogies freed from the train will be added to other trains.

The Minister said the decision taken by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to annex Kashmir is highly unwise and such decisions change the course of history. He said Pakistan is a proponent of peace and does not want war. However, it cannot remain oblivious to the persecution of Kashmiris and if war starts between the two countries, it will be the last war on the issue.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Pakistan has more rights on Kashmir as Pakistanis and Kashmiris share same religion, culture, civilization and values. Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the hearts of Kashmiris and Pakistanis beat in unison. The Minister said India has violated the UN resolutions, Shimla agreement and other international conventions by revoking the independent status of occupied Kashmir.

Replying to a question, he said Pakistan Railways will observe the birth celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev in a befitting manner.

He told a question that opposition will have to become united on Kashmir and other issues facing the country.