Kashmir. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq Leader Sheikh Dr Hamam Hamoudi has said that Iraq strongly supports Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute and it should be resolved according to aspirations of Kashmiri people in the light of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions.
He expressed these views during his separate meetings with the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Chairman Fakhar Imam, National Assembly Standing Committee Foreign Affairs Chairman Malik Ehsanullah Tiwana and Leadership of All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Islamabad on Monday.
Dr Hamoudi said the international community should influence India to stop atrocities in occupied Kashmir and ensure the provision of the right to self-determination as promised by the world body.
He said Kashmir and Palestine are the oldest unresolved issues on the agenda of the UN and the global forum should play its due role in their resolution.
He strongly condemned the use of pellet guns against unarmed Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir.
He said Pakistan should highlight these atrocities and human rights violations of Indian forces at every international forum.
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Dr Hamoudi said peace in the region is imperative for development, prosperity and stability and Pakistan and India should hold a dialogue to resolve these issues.
He said Iraq also appreciates Pakistan’s full support on the Palestine issue.
He said that Iraq wants to benefit from the huge experience of Pakistan in counter-terrorism.
Moreover, he added that his government will welcome Pakistani investment in different sectors of Iraq including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, health and education.
He said that both counties can cooperate in tourism as a large number of Pakistanis visit Iraq for Ziara in Najaf and Karbala.
In his views, Kashmir Committee Chairman Fakhar Imam said that Pakistan welcomes the Iraqi support to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
He said Pakistan is highlighting the core issue on the international forums with proof of human rights violations.
Imam said a number of reports have been released and published by international bodies including United Nations, EU, Amnesty International and other well-reputed newspapers which document the Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir.
He regretted that India is not allowing the UN observers and independent media to visit occupied Kashmir and see for itself the real situation taking place in the valley.
Moreover, Imam added that the relations between Pakistan and Iraq are being strengthened. Furthermore, the Standing Committee Foreign Affairs Chairman Malik Ehsanullah Tiwana said that Pakistan welcomes the Iraqi suggestion in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries and it will take every possible step in this regard.
He also appreciated the Iraqi stance on the Kashmir issue and expressed hope that Iraq will also highlight the core issue on world forums.
Earlier, a delegation of All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Abdullah Gilani briefed the Iraqi delegation about the situation of held Kashmir and said that the movement for freedom will be continued despite Indian brutalities.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2019.
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