PM telephones King Abdullah, Macron over IOK situation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has telephoned Jordanian King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and French President Emmanuel Macron to highlight the worsening situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).

The prime minister in his phone call briefed both leaders about India’s illegal and repressive policies in occupied Kashmir which has not only led to a grave humanitarian crisis but also endangered peace and security in the region.

According to statements released by the Prime Minister’s office, both leaders, in their conversation with Prime Minister Khan, said that the situation was being closely followed by their respective countries and stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

In his telephonic conversation, Imran Khan said, “Through its unilateral and fascist actions, India is attempting to change the demography of the disputed territory, which is a blatant violation of the international norms and the UN Security Council resolutions.”

Khan further said that the international community must take notice of the Indian excesses and raise their voice for the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir.

The statement read that King Abdullah has said, “Jordan is closely following the developments in the Indian occupied Kashmir and calls for a de-escalation of the situation.”

The statement further added that “Jordan would consult other countries on the situation in Kashmir.”

While speaking to President Macron, the prime minister highlighted the illegal and unilateral steps taken by India to change the disputed status of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir along with its demographic structure.

The prime minister underscored that the measures taken by India were in violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on the occupied valley and international law.

President Macron said that France was closely observing the situation and underlined the need to resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful means.

The statement said that the two leaders also spoke of Pakistan’s efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The statement added, “The French president appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in bringing peace in Afghanistan” and that the two leaders have agreed to continue working together for peace and stability in the region.

Since 5th August, occupied Kashmir has been under a strict lockdown imposed by the Indian government, when the region’s autonomous status was revoked.

The move to place the region under curfew is being seen as a measure to prevent protests over the repealing of Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which granted special autonomy to occupied Kashmir.