OIC should raise effective voice for Indian Muslims, Kashmir: FM Qureshi

Published
17
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi  addresses a press conference in Multan on Sunday. — DawnNewsTV
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses a press conference in Multan on Sunday. — DawnNewsTV

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that an effective voice should be raised from the platform of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) over the issue of an anti-Muslim law in India and violations of human rights in occupied Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference in Multan, the foreign minister said that Pakistan has already raised its voice over these issues. "Indian government has deprived students of education and patients of medical treatment in occupied Kashmir [...] internet remains cut off," he added.

"We are aware of our responsibilities and all possible diplomatic steps are being taken in this regard," he said, adding that "Indian designs will be unveiled" before the global community.

The minister said that he took up the issue with other Islamic countries and suggested that an OIC meeting of foreign ministers should be convened. He added that he received positive response in this regard.

Radio Pakistan on Sunday reported that the OIC has decided to convene a meeting on the grim human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the enactment of the anti-Muslim law in India.

The state-run radio service, while quoting the Kashmir Media Service, said the ministerial level OIC meeting is expected to be held in Islamabad in April 2020.

Talking about Indian steps to "jeopardise regional peace and security situation", Qureshi during his press conference said that India has cut the fence along the line of control from five points and installed BrahMos and spike missiles. "What does this indicate?" he questioned.

He added that India itself was divided over the newly passed citizenship law and quoted Indian political leader P. Chidambaram as saying that the legislation was in violation of the Indian constitution and would be struck down by Indian courts.

Read more: Explainer: What does India's new citizenship law mean?

The foreign minister said that although the Indian judiciary didn't fulfill expectations of people in the Babri mosque case, it will quash this controversial law.

He said that the controversial legislation crossed all thresholds of tolerance in India, pointing out that since protests against the law erupted, 25 people have been killed, hundreds have been arrested, and thousands of cases have been lodged. Irreparable loss to the image of India has been done among the global community, he said.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...