Pakistan urges UN to investigate human rights violations in Kashmir: FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during weekly brief briefing, said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has written another letter to the UN Secretary General, apprising him of the deteriorating situation and human rights violations.

The Prime Minister welcomed the UN Secretary General’s efforts to avoid further violence and thanked him for recognising Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute.

In his letter, the Prime Minister mentioned that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cannot be compared to the grim and tragic situation of human rights in Indian-Occupied Kashmir.

He said that that AJK remains open for any UN mission to visit as it has always facilitated the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), foreign diplomats and tourists.

The letter called Indian Prime Minister Narendra’s remarks on Balochistan as unwarranted and in complete contravention of the UN charter.

It said the remarks were aimed at diverting the world attention from the ongoing atrocities in the restive valley. The Prime Minister said that the Kashmir is the main dispute between the two countries.

KASHMIR DISPUTE

The spokesman while answering questions on the Kashmir dispute said Pakistan will continue its efforts to raise the Kashmir dispute at the international level.

He maintained that the issue will figure prominently at the upcoming annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, OIC meetings and on the sidelines of the UN session.

Zakariya said that the Indian brutalities have not only been condemned by the international community but also members of different segments of the society within India.

He said Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of the lingering dispute through the dialogue process, for which the country is always ready without any preconditions.

UNITED STATES – INDIA TIES

When asked about the trilateral set up formed by the United States, India and Afghanistan, the spokesperson said we are not sure what is the need of this platform.

He said that the Pakistan hopes that US-India defense pact does not polarise the region by disturbing the strategic balance and escalating the arms buildup in the region.

While commenting on US Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement on Pakistan’s anti terror efforts, he said that Pakistan draws no distinction in the terrorist groups. He reminded the menace of terrorism is not specific to one country and requires collective efforts to root it out.

AFGHANISTAN

He said that Pakistan remains committed to an peace process owned and led by the Afghans for peace in their country such as the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).

He said that both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to hold coordination meetings every month over the reopening of the Chaman border.

Both sides have agreed to respect each other’s flags, documents and leaders, while visas and passport issues will also be discussed between the two countries.

Lastly, he said that Pakistan is mindful of the elements working against the interests of Pakistan in the US, and will engage with all countries to protect their national interests. He said that there was a comprehensive mechanism to discuss all mutual matters with the US.