Why Pakistan included Junagarh in the new ‘political map’ of Pakistan?

The government of Pakistan has recently released a new ‘political map’ of Pakistan which has been unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan himself. The political map shows Indian-administered Kashmir as Pakistan’s territory and reads, “This is a disputed territory that India has illegally occupied.” Along with this article, it is also stated that this (issue) is to be resolved in the light of the recommendations of the UN Security Council.

Pakistan has also shown Junagarh and Manawadar as part of Pakistan on this new map. These areas are now part of the Indian state of Gujarat and do not share borders with Pakistan. The area has been with India since 1948 and is home to the Hindu temple of Somnath.

Pakistan maintains that Junagarh and Manavadar have always been part of it as the Raja of Junagarh had annexed Pakistan during the Partition of India but India seized the state by force.

Moeed Yousaf, National Security Adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, said; “Junagarh has always been a part of Pakistan and on the new map Pakistan has shown its part, which is aimed at clarifying its position.” Pakistan has the legal document of accession which was signed by the Nawab of Junagarh with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. After the illegal occupation of Junagarh by India, the Nawabs of Junagarh had moved to Karachi with their families.

The Nawab’s family still receives a royal stipend from the state of Pakistan and his status is similar to that of the exiled ruler of Junagarh in Pakistan.

A statement has been issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs following the unveiling of a new political map by Pakistan.
“Pakistan’s assertion of its claim to the Indian states of Gujarat and its Union Territories of Kashmir and Ladakh is a politically meaningless exercise,” it said.

According to Mead Yousaf, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, “the new political map is the first step in clarifying Pakistan’s position. Gaining international support will be the second step we are working for.”