Resolution of Kashmir, Palestine issue top agenda of OIC: special envoy

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says people of Pakistan have high hopes attached to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as it has always raised its voice for the resolution of Kashmir issue.

Briefing media along with OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir Yousef M. Al Dobeay, he said the situation in occupied Kashmir has become critical with lockdown continuing for last seven months.

Qureshi said the special envoy was briefed in detail on the human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir, as well as discriminatory laws and communication blockade by Indian occupation authorities. He was also informed the legal aspects of the Kashmir issue.

The foreign minister said the visiting dignitary was also briefed on situation along Line of Control and the targeting of innocent civilians by Indian forces. He said the carnage of minorities, especially Muslims, continues in India, adding that Muslims are being massacred in Indian capital New Delhi while police and security forces acted as silent spectators.

The minister said the Indian steps pose a serious threat to peace and security in the region, an example of which was manifested in February last year when both India and Pakistan came to the brink of war.

FM Qureshi said Pakistan is a founding member of OIC and there are many resolutions of the body on Kashmir issue. He said people of Pakistan have large expectations from OIC to play its role in the resolution of Kashmir issue.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir Yousef M. Al Dobeay said OIC has always strongly supported the resolution of the Kashmir issue. He said the issue of Kashmir is very close to our heart and all members are on same page regarding its resolution. He said the resolution of both Kashmir and Palestine issues stand at the top of the agenda of OIC.

Al Dobeay said OIC Contact Group on Kashmir was established in 1994 and since then it has actively raised the issue time and again.  He said a formal session of OIC was convened on Pakistan’s request after removal of special status of occupied Kashmir by India on 5th August last year. He said a detailed report on the situation in Kashmir will be presented to the office of secretary-general upon his return.

Earlier, OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy held a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office in which the Indian steps of 5th August last year were discussed in contravention of the resolutions of the United Nations and OIC.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said gross human rights violations continue in Occupied Kashmir by India. He said the statements of UN Secretary-General during his visit to Pakistan are clear proof that Kashmir is not an internal issue of India.

The minister urged all relevant institutions of the world to play an active role in view of the situation in Occupied Kashmir. He emphasized to resolve the Kashmir issue in the light of UN resolutions for peace and security in the region.

The OIC Special Envoy while expressing concern on the situation in Occupied Kashmir assured that OIC will play its due role for the rights of people of Occupied Kashmir.