ISLAMABAD: An International Conference titled “Kashmir Turmoil: Emerging Threats to Peace and the Role of the International Community” was held in Ankara on Wednesday.
The conference was coorganised by Lahore Center for Peace Research and the Institute of Strategic Thinking.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s message was read out at the conference in which he said illegal and unilateral steps taken by India in Occupied Kashmir on 5 August 2019 have brought the entire region to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
He said Pakistan is desirous of peace and stability in South Asia through resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly the Kashmir, through dialogue and in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
He said grave human rights violations are being perpetrated to muzzle the voice of Kashmiris and change demographic composition of the occupied state.
He said despite international outcry and condemnation, physical blockade of over eight million Kashmiris, as well as communication and media blackout, have now entered into their fourth consecutive month.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said another threat to peace and security in South Asia is germinating inside India where minorities’ rights to life, liberty and fundamental freedoms are being held hostage to the nefarious designs of Hindutva ideologies.
The Foreign Minister expressed his deep gratitude to the people and government of Turkey for their principled and courageous stand on the issue of Kashmir.
