Pakistan says OIC expressed ‘deep concern’ over Kashmir situation

Rubble thrown by protestors litter a deserted street in Srinagar as security forces enforce a curfew following weeks of violence in Kashmir. (Source: Reuters)

Pakistan Saturday said the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has expressed “deep concern” over the Kashmir situation and reaffirmed its support for the right of self-determination for the people there.

Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani, who is in Islamabad on a three-day visit, from August 19-21, conveyed the group’s concerns to the Pakistani side, the city’s Foreign Office said in a statement.

Claiming that Madani’s visit to Pakistan was aimed at discussing the situation in Kashmir, it said, “discussions during the meeting (between Madani and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz) focused on a number of challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly on the situation” in Kashmir and peace in Afghanistan.

Madani expressed “deep concern over the killing of innocent civilians” in Kashmir and sorrow at the “indiscriminate use of force and gross violations of human rights” in Kashmir by the Indian forces, the statement said.

Normal life has remained paralysed in the Valley, which has been rocked by violence after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.