Pakistan, 50 other countries call for immediate halt of force, lifting of curfew in IoK

Pakistan has submitted a joint statement at the United Nation Human Rights Council on behalf of over 50 countries  regarding the worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).

According to the statement, Pakistan has called for 'urgent attention by the Human Rights Council and human rights mechanisms'. The statement also added that it shared the concern expressed by High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet regarding the impact of recent actions on the rights of Kashmiris.

In its statement, Pakistan has asked for respect and protection of fundamental human rights of the people of IoK especially the right to life, liberty and security. It has also asked for the immediate lifting of curfew imposed for over a month in the region which has kept IoK blocked from the rest of the world.

The joint statement has called for 'ending the communications shutdown and release of arbitrarily detained people and to halt the excessive use of force, especially the use of pellet guns in the region'.

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Pakistan also asked for implementation of the recommendations of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' Kashmir Reports including the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate egregious human rights violations. The statement also sought a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through the implementation of the UNSC resolutions.

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan expressed its gratitude to the countries which became part of the joint statement in support of the people of Kashmir.

"Pakistan also appreciates the joint call by these countries for removal of restrictions, respect and protection of the Kashmiri people, implementation of the recommendations of UN’s Kashmir reports and peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute through the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions," the statement added.