ISTANBUL: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday boycotted the speech of the Indian delegate at a regional conference in the Turkish city of Istanbul.
The 8th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process – which seeks to promote peace in Afghanistan – was convened on Monday at Dolmabahce Palace under ‘Peace, Partnership, Prosperity’ theme.
As soon as the Indian minister began his speech, Qureshi rose from his seat and walked out of the hall.
READ MORE: FM Qureshi vows to raise Kashmir issue at all global forums
The boycott was in protest against the brutalities and the grave violation of human rights exercised by the India government in Kashmir, according to Qureshi.
In September, Qureshi boycotted the speech of Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at a SAARC ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Kashmir has been under Indian siege since August 5 after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked special status for the region and imposed a curfew in the valley.
READ ALSO: FM Qureshi holds Envoys’ conference of African countries
Pakistan condemned this and has spoked against the harsh step at many international forums.
The country has also downgraded all diplomatic and trade ties with India in protest.
ADVERTISEMENT
