New York: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called on member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to maintain a unified stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations and other international platforms. He stressed the importance of solidarity during the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir’s ministerial meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

According to Radio Pakistan, Dar urged the OIC to pressure India to reverse measures implemented since August 5, 2019, that he described as illegal. He highlighted the need to halt demographic changes and protect the political, religious, and cultural identity of Kashmiris. Furthermore, he called for the release of political prisoners and those arbitrarily detained.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for unrestricted access to the region for the OIC Special Envoy, Fact-Finding Missions, and international observers, as well as the importance of supporting international accountability for human rights violations. Dar expressed appreciation for the OIC’s support of the Kashmiri people and called for transforming this solidarity into enduring diplomatic efforts.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, Dar pointed to the UN Security Council’s recognition of the issue and the need to adhere to its resolutions. He warned against India’s unilateral actions, including attempts to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, which he described as a binding international agreement without provisions for unilateral suspension.