Islamabad, 13 Oct 2023: The Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Jammu and Kashmir from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Yousef Muhammed Saleh Aldobey, recently visited areas of conflict along the Line of Control (LOC) and Muzaffarabad, along with a high-level delegation from Muslim countries, which included representatives from KSA and Sudan. The information provided by PID reveals that the delegation undertook several engagements during their visit, which included paying respects at the J and K Monument, visiting Mankpiyan Refugees Camp in Muzaffarabad, and meetings with victims of Cross-Border Firing (CFV) and government officials. Moreover, the envoy communicated the OIC’s steadfast support for the Kashmir cause and its endorsement of Pakistan’s stance on the issue, which aligns with existing UN resolutions.

During the visit to the Mankpiyan Refugees Camp, the delegation was briefed about the various measures implemented to foster the socio-economic wellbeing of the inhabitants who have sought refuge there, fleeing from reported atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Interactions were also held with CFV victims, and the delegation was briefed about the prevailing situation along the LOC. In his remarks, Ambassador Aldobey affirmed the OIC’s backing of the Kashmir cause, and expressed his intention to visit Kashmir twice each year, signaling sustained engagement and attention from the OIC towards the matter.

The visit included a meeting with Senior Minister Colonel (Retired) Waqar Ahmed Noor, representing the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PM AJ and K). The delegation engaged in discussions with representatives from various political entities and members of the civil society, extending their acknowledgment to the Government of Pakistan for enabling them to visit the LOC and AJ and K, and allowing them to have a first-hand understanding of the situation along the LOC.

The expression of explicit support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue by Ambassador Aldobey and the OIC comes in a context where the geopolitical and human rights situation in the region has remained tense and has drawn international concern. The visit of the special envoy and the delegation is perceived as a step towards further internationalizing the issue and a manifestation of the OIC’s ongoing engagement with the Kashmir matter.