Organisation of Islamic Conference Backs Our Stand on Kashmir, Claims Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) has backed its stance over Kashmir by adopting a resolution upholding Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

OIC Foreign Ministers met in Tashkent on October 18-19 for the 43rd Session and adopted a very strong resolution on the "grave human rights situation in Kashmir", Pakistan Foreign Office said.

While upholding Kashmiris right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the grouping reaffirmed its unwavering support to the just cause of Kashmiri people, expressed deep concern and condemned in strongest possible terms the unabated killing of defenceless Kashmiris.

The grouping said that demonstrations by unarmed Kashmiris, despite curfew in the wake of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani s death is a referendum against India, it said.

It also rejected Indian attempts to equate the indigenous freedom movement of Kashmiris in Kashmir with terrorism.

Stressing that "Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India", the grouping said its resolution is indispensable for realisation of the dream for peace in South Asia.

Condemning in strongest possible terms the unabated killing and brutality let loose in Kashmir, the grouping expressed shock at the deadly silence of world community.

They also condemnned prolonged detentions of Kashmiri leaders by India and violations of freedom of movement and expression.

Acknowledging that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the party principle to the dispute, the resolution said they should be included in Pakistan-India dialogue process.

The grouping regretted that India is not allowing OIC fact finding Mission to visit Kashmir or responded favorably to the offers of the Good Offices Mission by the OIC.

They called upon India to implement numerous UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir which declare that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people, to join India or Pakistan, expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

They reminded "the international community of its obligations to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and fulfill the promises made by it with the people of Jammu and Kashmir".