Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif expressed "deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar" in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
"The plight of the Rohingya Muslims is a challenge to the conscience of the international community," said Asif, expressing concern "over the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence, discrimination and prejudice against Muslims and members of national ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities."
Asif expressed support for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) position "condemning the renewed violence" against Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority.
He also said that he supports the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission's call "for immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population" and recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission.
Earlier this year, the commission, led by former UN chief Kofi Annan, had urged Myanmar’s government to reconsider a failed programme to verify Rohingya for Myanmar citizenship and to remove restrictions on freedom of movement.
Foreign minister on Monday reiterated Pakistan's "constant support for oppressed Muslim populations including in Indian occupied Kashmir, Palestine, and the Rohingya Muslims."
"Pakistan is host to more than 3 million Afghan refugees [...] tens of thousands [of] Rohingyas carry Pakistani passport and live in different countries," he had tweeted earlier in the day.
At least 73,000 Rohingya Muslims have crossed into Bangladesh fleeing persecution and over 400 have been killed in recent clashes in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
Comments (20) Closed
Yes, Pakistan should set an example by welcoming them into their country
In what way are we concerned? Do we take care of our minorities? They are being persecuted like no one in the world. We should take care of them BEFORE we lecture others.
about time someone speaks up for Rohingas!
Can you please stop the prosecution of minorities in Pakistan first?
What happen to your tour??
After Imran Khan tok the mic to speak against the cruelty on Rohingya Muslims, thank God someone from the Government also followed the sane voice.
How did minorities came down to 2% in pakistan? You might want to answer that first.
good one. finally someone spoke from Pakistan in official capacity.
The world today is very careful. They have learnt a lot from indian partition in 1947.
If they have Pakistani passports then they should move to Pakistan
I think we should provide all material, physical, emotional , financial and political support to our Rohingya bros. Only we can provide them a stable place for there development. We should raise issues on there persecutions on all diplomatic levels and threaten to cut Myanmar of any aid by us.
Save one innocent person= save all world's population.
Urgent actions not just words
Thank you sir for raising your voice. Being Pakistan, I think just condemnation is not enough, now we need to pursue this issue in a dogged manner at all international forums possible to exert as much pressure on Myanmar as possible to stop their atrocities. There is little doubt in my mind that that Muslim world looks up to us in not just this but all matters including Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, etc.
Meaningless statement from K Asif.
Typical reaction from Pakistan-all words,no action.
Thank you for bringing this up , now it is time to move to next level. Send our troops to protect these defenseless people that India and Bangladesh kicking them out knowing what kind of wrath they would face if they are to returned to their Hell. Shame on you all for keeping it silent while innocent women, children and old people are suffering on daily basis.
India should provide safe passage for all rohingya refugees through the wagah border into the Homeland Of South Asian Muslims. Thanks to the minister for his humanitarianism.
India must arrange safe passage for all Rohingya muslims to go through the Wagah border into the homeland of south asian muslims. Thanks for the humanitarianism and hospitality shown by the honourable Khawaja Asif.
Sir, A small suggestions.Being leader and only nuclear power amongst the 53 Muslim nation ,why don't you take about 70000 Rohingyas Muslims refugeesWho are now in India. Action by you will speak louder than words.