NEW YORK – Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday appreciated the lead role of Amnesty International in presenting the real state of human rights in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K) and amplifying the voices of the Kashmiri population in a state of seven-week long lockdown.
The Amnesty’s efforts had helped raise the international community’s awareness about the continuing sufferings of the Kashmiri people, he said while talking to Secretary-General of Amnesty International Komi Naidoo, who called on him.
The prime minister discussed with Naidoo the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the IOJ&K since India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, PM Office Media Wing in a press release said.
He also lauded the Amnesty’s report on the use of pellet guns by India and their devastating impact on the Kashmiri youth.
It was observed that the two UN reports on Kashmir served as a strong basis for continued civil society advocacy in support of the Kashmiri people.
Naidoo briefed the prime minister on the Amnesty’s advocacy work on Kashmir including #LetKashmirSpeak.
He also updated the prime minister on the Amnesty’s work relating to climate justice and suggested consideration of Global South advocacy by the latter on a range of climate change-related issues.
Kashmiri representatives call on PM
A delegation of Kashmiri representatives based in the United States Sunday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and apprised him about the grave situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).
The delegation included Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Dr Ghulam Mir, Dr Khalid Qazi, Imtiaz Khan, Abdu Rauf Mir, Sardar Sarwar Khan and others, PM Office Media Wing in a press release said.
The delegation thanked the prime minister for effectively raising the Kashmir issue at the international fora.
The delegation also included the close relatives of Kashmiris in the IOJ&K who had been arrested and lost all contacts with them.
The prime minister assured the delegation that he would continue raising the issue of oppressed Kashmiris at all fora as an ambassador across the world.
Senator Lindsey calls on PM
Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Senator Graham chairs the US Senate Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Senator Graham discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation, PM Office Media Wing in a press release said.
The prime minister appreciated Senator Graham’s support for strengthening Pakistan-US relations.
He expressed his grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India’s lockdown in Kashmir, he said, had created a humanitarian crisis and posed a threat for regional stability.
He said the United States could play a positive role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, which was the main obstacle to lasting peace in South Asia.
The prime minister said Pakistan desired peace in Afghanistan and remained fully committed to working with the United States in achieving a political settlement in Afghanistan.
He hoped for an early resumption of the Afghan peace process.
Senator Graham said a strong strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States was mutually advantageous and a factor for stability in the region.
He appreciated Pakistan’s support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and Ambassador Asad M Khan were also present in the meeting.
