Washington: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has called for an international commitment to diplomacy to address the protracted issues of Kashmir and Palestine. Speaking at a seminar in Washington, D.C. organized by Pakistan’s Embassy in observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Ambassador underscored the necessity of fostering a diplomatic environment conducive to dialogue between India and Pakistan.

According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ambassador Sheikh emphasized that a durable resolution to the Kashmir issue, along with the quest for lasting peace, hinges on diplomatic efforts. He urged the global community to adopt a proactive stance in tackling the enduring challenges faced by both Kashmir and Palestine, suggesting that the interconnected nature of these issues could mutually reinforce their resolution.

The Ambassador criticized the actions taken by the Indian government since August 5, 2019, labeling them as legally indefensible. He referenced UN Resolution 122, which reaffirms the international dimension of the Kashmir dispute and insists that any unilateral measures cannot replace a UN-supervised plebiscite.

Former Ambassador Tauqir Hussain added that the unilateral actions of 2019 should be rendered untenable for India, prompting it to return to negotiations. He pointed out the necessity for India and Pakistan to find a mutually agreeable solution to the dispute.

Former Norwegian Member of Parliament Lars Rise highlighted allegations of war crimes by India in the occupied territory, advocating for the documentation of human rights violations and their incorporation into foreign policy discussions in major global capitals.