Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Secretary General of Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani has expressed solidarity with Kashmiri people by reiterating OIC’s continued support to the right of self-determination of people of Indian-Held Kashmir (IHK).

He was talking to outgoing President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Yaqoob Khan at a dinner hosted by the former in his honour at Kashmir House, said Foreign Office in a press release on Sunday. Recalling OIC Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the President AJK expressed gratitude to the Secretary General for OIC’s consistent support for the people of Jammu & Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination.

He apprised Secretary General of the recent situation in the IHK and highlighted the grave human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces in the IHK. He also stressed that sham elections held by India could never be a replacement of the Kashmiri’s right to self-determination.

President elect Azad Jammu and Kashmir Masood Khan was also present on the occasion. Sardar Yaqoob Khan called on India to implement UN Resolutions stating the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir would be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

The OIC Secretary General expressed concern at the atrocities being committed by the Indian Occupation Forces with impunity. He called for an early resolution of the Kashmir dispute through peaceful negotiations and underlined the need for India’s engagement with Pakistan through a dialogue process towards a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. Madani said the OIC would continue to monitor human rights situation in the IHK.