ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Friday urged the ambassadors of permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the European Union to fulfil their international commitments to the people of India-held Kashmir (IHK) under the UNSC resolutions.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said that the adviser informed the world leaders about human right violations being committed by Indian forces in IHK and deplored the lethal use of force against innocent people.
The FO spokesperson said that the adviser conveyed serious concerns over the bloodshed in IHK, which has claimed more than 80 innocent lives and left around 7,000 people injured since July 8.
The spokesperson added, “Oppressive measures by India cannot deter the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir from…their right to self-determination.”
Sartaj Aziz, on the occasion, regretted India’s refusal for holding talks on the issue with Pakistan. He also briefed the ambassadors on the exchange of letters between the foreign secretaries of the two countries.
“The international community, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union, have an important role to uphold the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law,” said the adviser.
“Pakistan welcomes the UN Secretary General’s offer and would be ready to engage in a dialogue to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” reiterated Aziz.
The P5 and EU ambassadors stressed for a peaceful resolution of the issue and acknowledged the importance of dialogue.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) last week expressed concern over gross human rights violations and unabated killings in IHK and renewed its call for resolution of the dispute through peaceful means. However, India recalled its earlier position that the OIC had no locus standi in the matter.
In the worst civilian violence to hit the restive region since 2010, at least 80 Kashmiri civilians have been killed and thousands more injured during clashes with security forces after the killing of Burhan Wani.
Indian government troops in IHK have reportedly fired live ammunition, and used pellet guns and teargas to control anti-government protesters.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called an emergency meeting to discuss escalating violence in Held Kashmir amid anti-India protests.
The P5 – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – and EU ambassadors stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully. They also acknowledged the importance of dialogue to address this long-standing issue and the prevailing grave situation. They also appreciated Pakistan’s readiness for a dialogue on the issue.
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