ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) contact group on Jammu and Kashmir called for an impartial plebiscite in the disputed region during its meeting at the UN headquarter in New York on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the Pakistani delegation to the meeting, which was chaired by OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, who condemned recent atrocities committed by Indian forces.
Al-Othaimeen reiterated the OIC’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in achieving their legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination.
The conflict should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the region’s people as enshrined in UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, he said, calling for genuine dialogue between Pakistan and India on all outstanding issues.
Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s pledge to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their struggle to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in numerous UNSC resolutions.
He referred to a report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) in June 2018, which recommended the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Qureshi met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, and expressed deep appreciation for the invitation and hospitality extended by the king and crown prince to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his entourage.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the convergence of views between the two countries’ leaderships on issues of regional and global importance.
They agreed to maintain the momentum generated by the visit, to achieve tangible results on mutually agreed areas of cooperation.
The two foreign ministers agreed to remain closely engaged to chart out a roadmap to enhance bilateral trade, business and investment relations.