Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called United Nations’ Secretary General Antonio Guterres to express deep shock and grave concern on the recent escalation in the continuing violence in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, especially the recent killing of 15 innocent Kashmiris and injuries to more than 300 protesters.
The Prime Minister termed the situation in IOK as “unacceptable”. He added that the imposition of Presidential Rule in IOK has the danger of further aggravating the already serious situation.
Jammu and Kashmir dispute is not a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India but an internationally recognised dispute and an outstanding agenda item in the UN Security Council.
The Prime Minister urged the Secretary General to weigh in and to stop India from perpetrating state repression, violence and brute force against Kashmiri youth, women and children. In line with recommendations of the June 2018 report of UN Human Rights Commissioner on Human Rights in Kashmir, the Prime Minister asked that the Commission of Inquiry should be dispatched urgently to investigate this grave situation.
The Prime Minister reiterated the proposal to appoint a Special UN Representative for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Earlier in the day, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, while briefing the media, after the meeting of the federal cabinet said the PM would raise the issue of Kashmir with United Nations’ Secretary General.
Published in Daily Times, December 21st 2018.
