FM Dar condemns alleged rights violations in occupied Kashmir, urges global action

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has condemned what he described as continued human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir in New York, Dar thanked the OIC, the Contact Group and the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission for their continued support for the Kashmir cause.

Dar condemned India’s measures of August 5, 2019, when New Delhi revoked the special constitutional status of IIOJK and reorganised the region.

Alleged demographic changes

Dar alleged that efforts were under way to alter the demographic composition of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while Kashmiri political leaders, including Hurriyat leaders, remained under detention.

He also accused Indian authorities of targeting journalists and young people in the region and alleged that killings were being carried out during what he described as “so-called” search operations.

“Indian state terrorism” was continuing in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Dar said, alleging that extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions remained prevalent.

He said Kashmiris were being subjected to abuses after being taken into what he described as unlawful detention.

Call for international action

Dar urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to fulfil commitments made to the Kashmiri people and play their role in resolving the dispute.

He called for collective efforts to secure a “just and peaceful” settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with the aspirations and right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

The OIC Contact Group on IIOJK met in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.