Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote another letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, directing her attention to the “seriously deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation” in Indian-occupied Kashmir, a press statement from the Foreign Office said on Friday.
Qureshi, in his letter, highlighted the “context and consequences of India’s illegal and unilateral actions” of August 5, when New Delhi decided to revoke Article 370 of the Indian constitution, stripping occupied Kashmir of its special status. A strict lockdown and a communications blackout was imposed in the area and Kashmiri politicians were placed under house arrest.
According to the press release, Qureshi’s letter “articulates Pakistan’s deep concerns” over human rights violations in occupied Kashmir by the Indian government.
“The letter underscores that India’s actions constitute flagrant violations of the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, international law and India’s own solemn commitments,” the press statement says further.
The foreign minister said that it was important for the UN as well as the international community to “call upon India to rescind its unilateral actions, lift the curfew and other draconian measures”.
The letter will be shared with the UN Security Council as well as the members of the world body, the statement said.
This is not the first time the foreign minister has approached the OHCHR over the Kashmir matter. He had written to her on August 4 and had a telephonic conversation on August 8.
Qureshi had also written to the UNSC president, asking the latter to convene an emergency meeting of the council to discuss India’s “illegal actions” that also “violate UN resolutions on Kashmir”.
Speaking to a news channel, Qureshi said, “The situation has escalated in occupied Kashmir. Genocide Watch has also released an alert regarding the genocide in the valley.”
He added, the Kashmiris are trying to take control of the situation on their own. “India is heading towards genocide in the valley.”
The foreign minister further said, he has spoken to his Japanese counterpart and apprised him of the situation in the valley. “I have informed him of the propaganda by Indian media.”
“The world needs to take notice of Indian propaganda,” Qureshi said, adding it was the responsibility of G7 and its members to open its eyes towards the propaganda. This is an issue of the region. G7 needs to be informed about it.”
“The Indian media is falsely propagating that around 100 terrorists will enter. India can do a false flag operation in occupied Kashmir,” he added. He further said India will try to stop protests in the occupied valley. “There is a danger of bloodshed. If there is any incident of terrorism, India will point fingers at Pakistan.”
