Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi continued diplomatic outreach by contacting his counterparts from Turkey, Iran and Bangladesh over the telephone on Tuesday to brief them on current situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, Foreign Minister Qureshi held telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu and apprised him of grave human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The foreign minister said India has imposed curfew in occupied valley since August 5 and consequently, lives of thousands of people are under threat. Qureshi said situation is so dire that there is shortage of food and medicines. He told his Turkish counterpart that people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are looking towards international community, especially the Muslim world.
Qureshi also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for raising his voice in support of armless and oppressed Kashmiris and also lauded services of Turkey for Muslim unity. The spokesperson further said that both foreign ministers agreed to continue bilateral consultations and also agreed to meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly's and OIC meetings later this month.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also called his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif to apprise him of the latest situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The foreign minister briefed his Iranian counterpart on the illegal and unilateral actions of India to alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. The foreign minister further underlined that the steps taken by India in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir pose threats to peace and stability in the region.
On the worsening situation of human rights in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the foreign minister informed his Iranian counterpart that the complete lockdown in the valley has entered the 5th week causing immense suffering to the Kashmiri people who are unable to access hospitals, medicines and food supplies. The foreign minister underscored that India's actions constituted violations of the UN Charter, relevant Security Council's Resolutions, international law and India's own commitments. The gravity of the situation demanded complete lifting of the curfew, removal of restrictions on movement, peaceful assembly, provision of food and medical supplies and release of political prisoners, he added.
Qureshi also thanked the Iranian leadership and the people of Iran for supporting suppressed people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
"Foreign Minister Javad Zarif appreciated the detailed briefing and reiterated concern over the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Iran's support for the Kashmiri people," Dr Faisal said, adding that the two foreign ministers agreed to remain engaged regarding the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Qureshi also held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen to discuss the current situation in the IOK. The foreign minister apprised his Bangladeshi counterpart of the illegal and unilateral actions of India to alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was in contravention of the international law and UNSC resolutions.
The foreign minister highlighted continuously deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including severe shortage of food and lifesaving medicines, communications blackout and complete lock-down for the last 30 days. He underlined that the steps taken by India in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir entailed grave risk for peace and security in the region.
The Bangladeshi foreign minister emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and discussions. The two ministers agreed to remain in contact.
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