Islamabad: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir has reiterated its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination during its meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 50th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Chaired by OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, the session saw participation from representatives of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Niger, Azerbaijan, and the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), as well as delegates representing the Kashmiri populace. The Pakistan delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, through a press release, indicated that Foreign Secretary Qazi briefed the Contact Group on recent developments in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to cement its control over the region, in defiance of Security Council resolutions, by fostering a climate of intimidation and fear. Qazi called on India to release all political prisoners, lift bans on certain political parties, repeal the unilateral actions taken on August 5, 2019, and adhere to UN Security Council resolutions concerning the region.

The Contact Group unanimously adopted a joint communiqué, affirming that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and reflecting the will of the Kashmiri people is essential for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.