Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi has briefed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the current situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, as stated in an official announcement. He highlighted that New Delhi is attempting to tighten its control over the disputed Himalayan region by creating an “environment of intimidation and fear.”
Qazi led Pakistan’s delegation at the two-day OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, held on August 29-30 in Cameroon, where he also addressed Israel’s ongoing military actions against Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire.
In a separate session, Qazi updated the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir, chaired by Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, on developments in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The region has faced increased tensions since 2019, when the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked its special constitutional status, escalating the dispute with Pakistan.
“The foreign secretary outlined India’s efforts to solidify its occupation of Indian-occupied Kashmir in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including by fostering an environment of intimidation and fear,” the Foreign Office stated.
Qazi called on India to release all political prisoners and lift restrictions on political parties, referencing actions taken by New Delhi since the revocation of the region’s special status.
The OIC Contact Group on Kashmir adopted a joint communique, emphasizing that lasting peace and stability in South Asia depend on the final resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
In 2019, New Delhi annulled Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted limited autonomy to Kashmir under Indian administration. It also repealed Article 35A, which had restricted property purchases by non-residents of the region.
Pakistani officials have argued that the move was intended to alter the demographic makeup of the area.
India is now preparing to hold the first regional elections in a decade from September 18 to October 1, allowing Kashmiris to elect their local government, instead of remaining under direct rule from New Delhi. The vote count is scheduled for October 4.
