Macron, King Abdullah II ‘closely observing condition
Observer Report
Islamabad
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his resolve to highlight the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday telephoned French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordanian King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein to apprise both leaders of the current situation in the disputed territory.
The premier had, in a televised address on Monday, vowed to “act as Kashmir’s ambassador” and discuss the issue on every platform. Both leaders, in their conversation with Prime Minister Imran, said that the situation was being closely followed by their respective countries and stressed on the need for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, according to statements released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister underscored that the measures taken by India were in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and international law and presented “a grave risk for peace and security in the region”.
The premier spoke of the “severe hardships” faced by Kashmir’s population in the wake of an unprecedented lockdown since August 5 and the resultant threat to “basic human rights, safety and security of the people”.
President Macron said that “France was closely observing the situation” and underlined the need to “resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful means”. The two leaders also spoke of Pakistan’s efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. “The French president appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in bringing peace in Afghanistan,” said the statement.
“The two leaders agreed to continue to work together for peace and stability in the region,” it added. In his conversation with the king of Jordan, the prime minister shed light on “India’s illegal and repressive policies in occupied Kashmir which have not only led to a grave humanitarian crisis but also endangered peace and security in the region”.
Imran said that India, with its “unilateral and fascist actions” was aiming to “change the demography of the disputed territory”, a blatant violation of UN resolutions and international norms.
Urging action on the part of the international community, the prime minister said it must “take notice of the Indian excesses and raise [its] voice for the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir”.
King Abdullah said that “Jordan was closely following the developments” in the restive region.
He called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute through dialogue. He added that Jordan would “consult other countries on the situation in Kashmir”, according to the PM Office handout.
In March, following a rise in tensions with India in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the Jordanian king had offered mediation to help de-escalate the crisis.
