ISLAMABAD: Human rights violations in India-held Kashmir are not an internal matter of the Indian state, said Iyad Amin Madani, secretary-general of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The head of the world's largest bloc of Muslim countries has expressed concern over human rights violations in India-held Kashmir, which has seen weeks of deadly clashes between Muslim protesters and police.

Madani told a joint news conference along with Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that the situation in Kashmir was deteriorating and urged the international community to act, saying the situation should be resolved at the political level.

"The international community should raise its voice against the atrocities in India-held Kashmir.

“Unfortunately, very few voices have come out against Indian tyranny,” said Madani.

“The situation in Kashmir is heading towards a referendum. No one should be afraid of a referendum and the solution should be through the United Nations resolutions in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The human rights violations in India-held Kashmir are not internal matter of the Indian state.”

The secretary general said the OIC is eager that the Kashmir issue is resolved and fully supports Pakistan. “The OIC has a dedicated special advisor on Kashmir and a liaison group that will meet at the UN General Assembly session in the United States.”

“Just statements alone are not enough when it comes to occupied Kashmir but the issue cannot be raised at the political level with silence.”

The secretary general said he hopes the next session of the OIC will be held in Pakistan. “Pakistan has hosted many historical sessions of the OIC in the past.”

The Advisor on Foreign Affairs welcomed Madani’s remarks, saying the two had spoken at length on the Kashmir issue.

Aziz stressed that Pakistan and India should resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue. “We want dialogue with India, but we are waiting on India’s response, after which the situation will become clearer.”

The foreign affairs advisor urged the international community and the UN take notice of the human rights violations in Kashmir.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.