Pakistan calls on OIC to lead efforts to resolve Jammu, Kashmir dispute

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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to lead the diplomatic effort to find a lasting solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions.

The call was made by Pakistani Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Zardari during his reception of the visiting OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Islamabad on Saturday.

In a joint press conference, Zardari said Pakistan deeply appreciates OIC's role in assuring and safeguarding social, economic and political interests of Muslim world.

"India's ongoing human rights violations, its illegal acts in 2019 are blatant violations of international law and stand in sharp contrast to every effort for peace and stability in the region, "We discussed Islamophobia with the OIC secretary General and encouraged the appointment of special envoy for Islamophobia," he said.

On the Afghanistan issue, the Pakistani Minister said he emphasized the urgent need to follow up on decisions made at the 17th extraordinary session at the Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad last December. "We are pleased to know that there has been progress on all fronts, sufficient initial resources to strengthen the OIC office in Afghanistan and operation of special envoy has been provided by OIC membership," he pointed out.

The Foreign Minister added that the newly inaugurated office of OIC mission in Kabul will be helpful in channelling OIC support to Afghanistan and alleviating the humanitarian situation there.

Speaking on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General said "we ask India to cancel all illegal decisions taken regarding Kashmir.
He added that the 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.