FM calls OIC chief to update on aggravating IOJ&K situation

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen to update him on the aggravating situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).

According to a statement issued, during the conversation, FM Qureshi conveyed Pakistan’s deep concerns on the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in IOJ&K, and India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory.

The minister highlighted the recent domicile law in IOJ&K, stressing that it was in clear violation of relevant UN and OIC resolutions and international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.

He deplored that in the garb of epidemic crisis, India was imposing even more stringent lockdown in the occupied territory and enhanced repression of the Kashmiri population through fake encounters, extrajudicial killings and other repressive steps.

The secretary-general was informed that in order to divert the world’s attention from its intolerable actions in IOJ&K, India might resort to “false flag” operation and undertake some other misadventure which could risk regional peace and security.

Qureshi appreciated the OIC’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He welcomed the statements issued by the OIC and its human rights body, IPHRC, rejecting the new domicile law and India’s other illegal actions in IOJ&K.

He also demanded India to permit full and free access to the OIC, IPHRC and the UN to investigate the situation.

Secretary General Al-Othaimeen reiterated OIC’s steadfast support to Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and assured that the OIC would continue to follow-up on the issue.

Highlighting that COVID-19 posed a grave threat to the entire humanity, the foreign minister lauded the secretary general’s role in spearheading the OIC’s collective response to battle the COVID-19 epidemic.

The secretary general also expressed his deep condolences on the tragic crash of PIA plane and loss of precious lives.