Iran president expresses concerns over Indian atrocities in IOK

PM Imran calls President Rouhani as part of his diplomatic efforts to apprise world leaders of India's illegal move

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed concerns over the atrocities and killing of innocent people in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and underlined that all possible efforts must be made to keep the regional tensions low.

The statement comes after Prime Minister Imran Khan called Iranian president as part of his outreach to world leaders on the grave situation in IOK, reported Radio Pakistan on Sunday.

Rouhani called for settlement of Kashmir issue through diplomatic means and stressed that that Muslims of the disputed valley must be able to use their legal rights and interests to be able to live in peace.

The prime minister maintained that the actions taken by India in a bid to change the internationally recognised disputed status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.



He also added that any change in the demographic structure of occupied territory would constitute a violation of the international law.

The Modi government earlier this month had stripped Kashmir of the special autonomy it had for seven decades through a rushed presidential order.

By repealing Article 370 of the constitution, people from the rest of India will now have the right to acquire property in Occupied Kashmir and settle there permanently.

PM Imran also highlighted the serious risk of massive killings as part of the crackdown by Indian forces in IOK and stressed that the international community must act urgently to prevent the impending calamity.

He apprised the Iranian leader of Islamabad's repeated calls and efforts, urging New Delhi to resolve the seven-decades old dispute through peaceful means, in accordance with the long-standing UNSC resolutions.

The premier appreciated Iran's principled stance on the Kashmir issue and consistent support for the rights and well-being of the people of Himalayan valley.

Both leaders agreed that no military solution existed to resolve this long-standing dispute and PM Imran stressed that India should be counseled to promptly resolve the issue in accordance with UN resolutions.

In the bilateral context, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress made in further strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Iran, especially following the visit of the Prime Minister to Iran in April.