Daily Times

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday to brief him on the current situation in the Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).

Qureshi briefed the Russian foreign minister on the illegal and unilateral steps taken by the Indian government to change the status of IHK and its demographic structure.

He added that these steps by India were against the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and international laws.

He underlined that Indian actions entailed grave risks for peace and security. He highlighted the severe hardships faced by the people of the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the face of unprecedented lockdown of the entire population.

The foreign minister informed Lavrov about the deteriorating situation of safety and security of the population in IHK, which has been under curfew for the last 10 days.

He also shared concerns about the intensified repression by Indian security forces and the possibility of false flag operation, which would further endanger peace and security in the region.

He underscored to his Russian counterpart that Pakistan had already requested the UNSC president to convene a meeting to discuss the illegal actions of India in IHK.

Lavrov stated that Russia was closely observing the situation. He underlined the importance of resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means. The two leaders agreed to continue to work together for peace and stability in the region.