A high-level delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Countries' (OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) called on Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Monday.

Welcoming the delegation, Aziz, who is Pakistan's de facto foreign minister, discussed human rights violations by occupation forces in India-held Kashmir, which had intensified since July 2016.

Aziz condemned the practice of using live ammunition and pellet guns by Indian forces, as a result of which more than 150 innocent Kashmiri Muslims have been killed, 20,000 injured and scores — including young girls and children — blinded, said a press release issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson.

Aziz also shed light on the imposition of a curfew in India-held Kashmir, which he said had made the lives of innocent people miserable.

"The Indian government created a deliberate shortage of essential food supplies, medicines, children food, petroleum products and other basic amenities," the statement read. "Children were denied their basic right to education as a number of schools were burnt and shut down. Hurriyat leadership either remains imprisoned or under house arrest. People were barred from offering Friday prayers in a blatant violation of religious freedom."

Aziz said he hoped IPHRC delegation's visit would provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and witness firsthand the plight of Kashmiri refugees who had migrated to Azad Jammu and Kashmir to escape the Indian atrocities.

"Indian denial of allowing the UN Commissioner for Human Rights’ fact-finding mission and IPHRC to visit India-held Kashmir was regrettable. Pakistan, in contrast, welcomed both," the statement quoted him as saying.

The adviser also urged the IPHRC delegation to highlight human rights violations in held Kashmir and sensitize the international community about the human rights violations faced by Kashmiris at the hands of Indian forces.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...