Qureshi briefs ICG president on IOK situation

FM also meets Chinese and Iranian counterparts

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday met International Crisis Group (ICG) president and expressed his deep concern over the grave situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) since the Modi-led government revoked its special status on August 5.

The minister is in New York to attend the 74th UN General Assembly session.

According to a statement by the Foreign Office, Qureshi expressed his concern at the prevailing humanitarian situation in IOK and “underscored the need for the international community to step-in to fulfill its moral and political responsibility towards the Kashmiris.”

New Delhi has imposed severe restrictions including curfew and communication blockade to head off the protests in the Muslim-majority region.

He added that non-resolution of the Kashmir dispute posed serious threat to peace and security of South Asia.

“Indian political leadership was resorting to jingoistic and irresponsible statements that could escalate tensions in the region,” he said.

FM Qureshi emphasised that there could be no peace in South Asia as long as Kashmir dispute remained unresolved and encouraged the ICG to work towards conflict prevention and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines restraint in South Asia.

Other issues pertaining to peace and security in South Asia also came under discussion.

Separately, the FM also met Chinese, Iranian counterparts and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines deputy prime minister. Matters of mutual interest, ongoing regional and international situations were discussed during the meetings.

In a meeting with Chinese FM Wang Yi, Qureshi said: “Relations with China is important part of Pakistan’s foreign policy.” He lauded China’s stand over prevailing IOK situation.

The FM said: “India under the garb of curfew is violating basic human rights of Kashmiri people.”
Both counterparts vowed to continue cooperation for regional stability.

Moreover, Qureshi discussed regional peace with Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif. He told him that Prime Minister Imran Khan will soon meet Iranian President Hassan Rowhani.

Kashmir was also the hot topic in Qureshi’s meeting with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister Louis Hilton Straker. The FM said that the unilateral step taken by India has put the peace and stability of the region at stake.

During the meeting both the leaders exchanged thoughts on matters of mutual importance and the serious situation in Occupied Kashmir. He informed the deputy PM that his country’s presence as non-permanent member of the Security Council was in Pakistan’s interest. Qureshi said the Kashmir issue was on the agenda of the UNSC like the Palestine issue since many decades.

Both the ministers agreed for mutual cooperation in different departments.