Pakistan calls for end to violence in Kashmir
Maleeha Lodhi briefs several top UN officials on Indian atrocities
On Islamabad’s request, the letter has been circulated to all UN member states as an official document. PHOTO: INP
UNITED NATIONS:
Maleeha Lodhi has briefed some top United Nations officials, including the UN Security Council President for July Koro Bessho, on blatant violations of fundamental human rights in Indian Kashmir.
At the meetings, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN called for end to brutal repression of innocent civilians by the Indian forces.
The Pakistani envoy underscored the need for fulfilling the right to self-determination granted to the people of Kashmir by the UN and justice for victims of recent violence, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s UN Mission.
Widespread protests have erupted in Indian Kashmir in the wake of the murder of popular Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Wani by the Indian troops, who have killed over 44 civilians while wounding more than 1,500 others. An indefinite curfew has been imposed across the disputed Himalayan state and shoot-at-sight orders given to the Indian forces.
In a series of meetings with UN officials, Ambassador Maleeha reminded the UN of its longstanding commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir under several UN Security Council resolutions.
She argued the human rights situation in Kashmir was worsening because of the non-implementation of the resolutions calling for a plebiscite and exercise of the right of self-determination by the Kashmiris.
The envoy added the worsening situation in Kashmir merited attention by the world body, as it posed a grave threat to regional peace and security.
She also called for an “independent and transparent” inquiry into the extrajudicial killings in Indian Kashmir.
“Dubbing the Kashmiris, agitating for their right to self-determination, as terrorists was a travesty of truth and was further inflaming passions,” she was quoted in the statement. “The international community must call on the Indian government to honour its obligations to peacefully resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.”
The Pakistani envoy was informed the UN secretary-general was concerned about the deteriorating situation in Indian Kashmir, and was ready to mediate peace talks between India and Pakistan provided the two neighbours accepted his good offices.
Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz has also written letters to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft about the grave situation in Kashmir.
On Islamabad’s request, the letter has been circulated to all UN member states as an official document.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2016.
Maleeha Lodhi has briefed some top United Nations officials, including the UN Security Council President for July Koro Bessho, on blatant violations of fundamental human rights in Indian Kashmir.
At the meetings, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN called for end to brutal repression of innocent civilians by the Indian forces.
The Pakistani envoy underscored the need for fulfilling the right to self-determination granted to the people of Kashmir by the UN and justice for victims of recent violence, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s UN Mission.
Widespread protests have erupted in Indian Kashmir in the wake of the murder of popular Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Wani by the Indian troops, who have killed over 44 civilians while wounding more than 1,500 others. An indefinite curfew has been imposed across the disputed Himalayan state and shoot-at-sight orders given to the Indian forces.
In a series of meetings with UN officials, Ambassador Maleeha reminded the UN of its longstanding commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir under several UN Security Council resolutions.
She argued the human rights situation in Kashmir was worsening because of the non-implementation of the resolutions calling for a plebiscite and exercise of the right of self-determination by the Kashmiris.
The envoy added the worsening situation in Kashmir merited attention by the world body, as it posed a grave threat to regional peace and security.
She also called for an “independent and transparent” inquiry into the extrajudicial killings in Indian Kashmir.
“Dubbing the Kashmiris, agitating for their right to self-determination, as terrorists was a travesty of truth and was further inflaming passions,” she was quoted in the statement. “The international community must call on the Indian government to honour its obligations to peacefully resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.”
The Pakistani envoy was informed the UN secretary-general was concerned about the deteriorating situation in Indian Kashmir, and was ready to mediate peace talks between India and Pakistan provided the two neighbours accepted his good offices.
Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz has also written letters to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft about the grave situation in Kashmir.
On Islamabad’s request, the letter has been circulated to all UN member states as an official document.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2016.