Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister addressed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, condemning India’s recent “unprovoked” attacks on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
He called for the OIC support in resolving the Kashmir dispute, drawing parallels between the situations in Kashmir and Palestine.
The Minister described India’s actions as a replication of Israeli tactics in Palestine, highlighting human rights abuses and endeavors to alter demographics. He stressed the need for a peaceful resolution based on UN resolutions and the desires of the local population, rejecting unilaterally enforced solutions.
He detailed India”s strikes on civilian areas, allegedly under the pretense of terrorist infrastructure, and Pakistan”s subsequent retaliatory measures. He emphasized Pakistan”s dedication to upholding the ceasefire but expressed concerns over India”s “aggressive” rhetoric.
The minister denounced India”s crackdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the Pahalgam attack, including arrests, deportations, and violence against Kashmiri students. He expressed gratitude for the OIC”s condemnation of the rising Islamophobia in India.
He criticized India”s efforts to “Indianize” Kashmir, detailing legislative, judicial, and administrative measures to change the region”s demographics and political landscape. He cited human rights abuses, including killings, injuries, torture, and political imprisonments.
The minister questioned the legitimacy of India”s elections in IIOJK, arguing they cannot substitute the right to self-determination. He also raised concerns about India”s claims on AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, urging the international community to address these statements.
He called for the OIC to escalate its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people and find a just resolution to the dispute, urging member states to pressure India to improve human rights, release political prisoners, repeal emergency laws, withdraw military presence, and implement UN resolutions.