OIC delegation voices concerns over human rights situation in IIOJK

A 13-member delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) on Thursday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and was briefed on human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“A delegation of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), led by its Chair Dr Saeed Al-Ghufli, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan,” said ruling PTI on its official Twitter handle.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Ameen Gandapur were also present in the meeting.

The delegation includes members from UAE, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Gabon, Nigeria and Uganda.

Also read: PM Imran, COAS Bajwa condemn Indian oppression in IIOJK on Youm-e-Istehsal

The visit of the IPHRC from August 4 to 9 coincided with the completion of two years of India’s illegal steps of August 5, 2019, when it had abrogated the semi-autonomous status of IIOJK.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the OIC delegation on the situation in IIOJK.

“FS Sohail Mahmood highlighted the legal, humanitarian, and Peace and Security dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” according to the Foreign Office statement.

The OIC IPHRC delegation particularly underscored the need to immediately improve the human rights situation in the territory under Indian occupation and just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions, it added.

The delegation is currently visiting Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

During the visit, the IPHRC delegation will travel to Muzaffarabad and the Line of Control, and interact with the Kashmiri leadership, refugees from IIOJK and victims of Indian atrocities.

“OIC has always supported Kashmiris in their just struggle for right to self-determination,” read the FO statement.

Pakistan hails OIC support for Kashmir cause

In a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad , the delegation was apprised about continued Indian atrocities and human rights violations in IIOJK.

“Torture, rape and sexual violence were employed as instruments of suppression and pellet guns were indiscriminately used, resulting in death, injuries and blinding,” read the FO communiqué.

FM Qureshi emphasised that the IPHRC visit was especially timely since it coincided with the with the completion of two years of Indian illegal actions of 5 August 2019.

Foreign Minister Qureshi hailed the independence exhibited by IPHRC, in line with its mandate, by dispassionately exposing Indian atrocities in IIOJK.

“Pakistan highly appreciates the strong and consistent support provided by the OIC and its institutions to the Kashmir cause,” said the FO statement.