Istanbul: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute to achieve lasting peace in South Asia, as he addressed the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir in Istanbul on Sunday.

Dar called for the resolution of the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He highlighted the need for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to intensify its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people and work towards a fair settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged the OIC and its member states to leverage their influence to encourage India to improve the human rights situation in the region. He stressed the importance of releasing political prisoners, repealing emergency laws, reducing military presence in civilian areas, and adhering to relevant UN resolutions.

Dar’s remarks underscore the ongoing concern over the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and the international community’s role in seeking a peaceful resolution.