OIC should lead diplomatic effort to resolve Kashmir dispute: Bilawal

• Bilawal said OIC should lead diplomatic effort for resolving Kashmir dispute
• He said Kashmir, Palestine issues were a stark remiUN’ser of UN unfinished agenda
• Bilawal said they should make efforts to prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should lead the diplomatic effort to find a lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, the foreign minister said Pakistan deeply appreciates OIC’s role in safeguarding the social, economic, and political interests of the Muslim world.

He expressed the hope that his visit to Azad Kashmir would send a message to the entire world that the entire Ummah stood united with the people of IIOJK.

“It will be a stark reminder to the UN and the international community about the long-standing unfinished agenda’ which required global community’s collective efforts for peaceful resolution,” he said.

The foreign minister said India’s ongoing human rights violations and illegal acts in 2019 are blatant violations of international law and stand in sharp contrast to efforts for regional peace and stability.

Bilawal said he discussed Islamophobia with the OIC secretary-general and encouraged the appointment of special envoy for Islamophobia.

On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said both sides emphasized the urgent need to follow up on decisions made at 17th extraordinary session at CFM in Islamabad last December.

He said that there has been progress on all fronts, sufficient initial resources to strengthen OIC office in Afghanistan and operation of special envoy has been provided by OIC membership.

He said a new OIC office had been opened in Kabul and appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s donations for the Afghan fund. He said the OIC mission in Kabul will help channel support to Afghanistan and alleviate humanitarian situation there.

He said Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Palestinians as mandated by recent CFM meetings and OIC should prepare action plan to raise Palestinian issue internationally.

Bilawal urged the international community to transform their commitment with the people of Afghanistan with tangible steps and continue engagement with the interim government over the issue of female education, women empowerment and terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General said India has been asked to cancel all illegal decisions taken regarding Kashmir.

He said OIC contact group has adopted a detailed plan of action on Kashmir and OIC will continue to raise its voice for the cause of Kashmiri people.

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