Abu Dhabi (Agencies): Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned in the strongest terms recent wave of Indian terrorism in Occupied Kashmir and expressed deep concern over the atrocities and human rights violations in the valley.
In a resolution adopted by the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Abu Dhabi, the OIC member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia.
“OIC resolution on regional peace, condemns Indian violation of Pakistan airspace & recognises Pakistan’s right to self defence. Also appreciates PM Khan’s offer of peace to India & goodwill return of Indian pilot,” Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Faisal said in a tweet.
#OIC resolution on regional peace, condemns Indian violation of #Pakistan airspace & recognises #Pakistan’s right to self defence. Also appreciates PM Khan’s offer of peace to #India & goodwill return of Indian pilot.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 2, 2019
It reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their just cause and reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the dispute.
In the context of current volatile situation in the region, the OIC member states adopted a new resolution sponsored by Pakistan, which expressed grave concern over the Indian violation of Pakistani airspace; affirmed Pakistan's right to self-defence; and urged India to refrain from the threat or use of force.
It also welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan's renewed offer of dialogue to India and the goodwill gesture of handing over the Indian pilot.
The resolution called for restraint and de-escalation as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means.
In another significant development, the OIC elected Pakistan as a member of its Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission from the Asian region, in acknowledgement of Pakistan's constructive contribution to human rights discourse, norms and policies.
The OIC adopted two other resolutions sponsored by Pakistan on international disarmament and non-proliferation issues and reform of the UN Security Council.
The strong OIC support to the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and the centrality of this core issue to regional peace is recognition of the key role that Pakistan plays as a founding OIC member.
In his reaction to the OIC declaration, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the OIC resolution has endorsed Pakistan’s stance on Occupied Kashmir calling it central to regional peace and has condemned Indian terrorism in Kashmir.
The OIC resolution has endorsed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir calling it central to regional peace and has condemned Indian terrorism in Kashmir. The OIC, recognising Pakistan's right to self defence, denounced Indian aggression. I congratulate the nation on this success.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 2, 2019
