Ex-Norwegian PM sees no military solution of Kashmir dispute

Foreing Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says New Delhi ignoring demand for probe into IOK violence

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said India continues to ignore with impunity legitimate demands for a probe into gross and systematic human rights violation, in the Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK), including use of excessive force and pellet guns, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as use of sexual violence as a weapon.

He made these remarks whiles talking to former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is high time the international community moves beyond rhetoric and took meaningful steps in putting an immediate end to the gross human rights abuses in IOK,” said Qureshi highlighting the United Nations report on Jammu and Kashmir as well as the UK Parliament's report on the region as evidence of international recognition of the severity of the problem, says a press release.

He reiterated that peace and justice was indispensable for the region and it could only be achieved with the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the people.

Meanwhile, Bondevik briefed the foreign minister on his visit to India, in particular to Srinagar, where he had the opportunity to interact with Kashmiri groups representing various walks of life.

“Kashmir issue should be high on the agenda of the international community and its resolution should be a priority for all,” said the former Norwegian premier adding it should be noted there was no military solution to this issue, peaceful and meaningful dialogue was the only way forward for Pakistan and India, he added.

The foreign minister thanked Bondevik for showing solidarity with the people of IOK and urged him to continue playing his role in highlighting the case of Kashmir on all levels and forums.