Pak stand on Kashmir vindicated at OIC: Nisar

JEDDAH, 30 June — Federal Minister for Information and Media Development Nisar A. Memon said here Friday night that the Organization of the Islamic Conference meeting in Khartoum had been a resounding success for Pakistan as all the resolutions proposed by Islamabad were adopted.

Speaking at a dinner meeting with members of the Pakistani community here, Nisar, who led Pakistan’s delegation to the 29th session of OIC foreign ministers’ conference in the Sudanese capital, said that Khartoum Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the meeting condemned violations of human rights and atrocities perpetrated by Indian troops in Kashmir.

Pakistan has been able to hammer home its viewpoint on the issue and project it in its true perspective.

Nisar said all issues confronting the Ummah were raised and addressed by the conference.

The OIC in its final communique condemned the flagrant violations of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed its support for the right of the people of Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions. The conference also called for appointing a special representative of the OIC secretary-general on Jammu & Kashmir.

“The conference expressed deep concern at the current tense situation in South Asia as a result of large-scale deployment of Indian troops and supported Pakistan’s offer for a meaningful dialogue.

“The conference adopted the recommendations of the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir and took note of the Memorandum of the True Representatives of the Kashmiri people.”

Nisar said Pakistan seeks peace not war with India. But we are ready to respond in a befitting manner to any Indian aggression. He said the army is capable and determined to defend the motherland.

Speaking about the situation on the border with India Nisar said Indian forces have resorted to targeting civilians which is extremely condemnable. Heavy civilian casualties are taking place. Our army, he said, never targets civilians.

Nisar also briefed the community members on the developments at home and steps being taken to hold elections in October.

He said all efforts were being made to hold fair and transparent elections.

Responding to a question Nisar said overseas Pakistanis were the ambassadors of Pakistan and hence they should play their role. He urged overseas Pakistanis to send suggestions to the government for steps to be taken for their welfare.

Nisar expressed thanks to the Kashmiri delegation comprising Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, Chairman National Kashmir Committee Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan and APHC delegate Ghulam Muhammad Saafi for their active participation in the OIC conference and for contributing to Pakistan’s viewpoint at the meeting.

The community meeting was attended by engineers, doctors, bankers, journalists, businessmen and intellectuals. Consul General Muhammad Nawaz Choudhry and senior officials of the Pakistan Consulate General were also present.