OIC calls for peace talks to resolve Kashmir Issue
Pakistan Times Kashmir Desk

GENEVA (Switzerland): The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Saturday hoped that the ongoing dialogue between Pakistan and India would result in the resolution of the lingering Kashmir dispute.

Speaking on behalf of the OIC in the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights, Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations Masood Khan said that the UN had conferred the right to self-determination on the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir.

However, due to non-implementation of the UN resolutions, these people remain engaged in the struggle for their rights, he added.

Earlier, Masood Khan commenting on the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that the OIC member states believed in the need of an international human rights system based on respect for human dignity and diversity.

He stressed that justice, equality and non-discrimination should be its guiding principles.

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Saturday rejected India’s claim of Kashmir being its 'integral part' and asked it to fulfil its commitment to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

The Pakistan’s delegate to the 61st Commission of Human Rights was responding to the assertion made by the Indian delegates.

He reminded India that it had to fulfil its commitment to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination given to them by the United Nations Security Council more than five decades ago.

Referring to repeated Indian allegations of cross-border terrorism, he said that Kashmiris were facing only one terrorism - state terrorism - to subjugate them through repression and massive human rights abuses.

He stressed that addressing human rights violations in held Kashmir and associating the Kashmiris with the dialogue process were essential for the success of the composite dialogue.●