Grave & systematic violations of human rights in IIOJK continue to alarm the world conscience: FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

ISLAMABAD, Sep 08 (SABAH): Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has said that grave and systematic violations of human rights in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continue to alarm the world conscience.

This was stated by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch while addressing the weekly press briefing on Friday. FO Spokesperson said that several international human rights organizations including Amnesty International (AI) have addressed a joint open letter to invite the attention of the representatives of G-20 member states, specially invited countries and international organizations, towards the serious human rights violations being committed in IIOJK.

She said that the letter notes the ongoing repressive policies in IIOJK, including restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association and intensification of crackdown on independent media and civil society groups. Indian occupation forces are systematically using abusive counterterrorism and state security laws, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act to incapacitate and persecute human rights defenders and dissenters in IIOJK.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that as India hosts the G-20 Summit and presents itself as an important player on the global stage, it should honour its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian laws and bring an end to the egregious human rights violations in IIOJK.

She said that Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani will chair the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Meeting (CYMM) being held from 12 to 15 September 2023 in London. The Commonwealth Secretariat is convening the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Meeting as Pakistan assumes the Chair of the meeting and plays an active part in setting the agenda ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit to be held next year in Samoa. The theme of the meeting is “Aim Higher: Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth”. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She said that while in London, the Foreign Minister is also expected to meet with participating Ministers and high-ranking officials of the Commonwealth.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan attaches great importance to the Commonwealth and its flagship Commonwealth Youth Programme, which is marking its fiftieth anniversary. Pakistan is committed to economic empowerment and meaningful engagement of youth, particularly as the Commonwealth and the Government of Pakistan commemorate 2023 as the “Year of Youth”. Four core areas of education, employment, engagement and environment identified in the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), will be extensively discussed in the upcoming meeting.

Meanwhile Mumtaz Zahra Baloch hoped that the interim Afghan government will fulfill its obligations and deny the use of its soil by the terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

Responding to the queries of media persons during the press briefing regarding the recent terrorist attack on military posts in Chitral, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan has communicated its concerns about the latest incident to the interim Afghan authorities.

Replying another question, she said that Pakistan’s policy on Afghan refugees has not changed. We have opened our hearts and our homes for the people of Afghanistan whenever they were in difficulty. With the first wave of Afghan refugees coming to Pakistan forty years ago, they have been living in Pakistan, have been working in Pakistan, they have been studying in Pakistan. We would like the Afghan refugees to return to their homeland in honour and dignity for which it is important that conditions are created for their early return. We remain in contact with Afghan authorities as well as with UNHCR to work towards that end, she said.

The FO Spokesperson said Pakistan and the United States have a robust dialogue on multiple areas including on security and counter terrorism matters.

She said we have been communicating with the US and other partners both inside and outside the region about Pakistan’s security concerns. She hoped our friends and partners will understand the security compulsions that Pakistan has in this region including the threat of terrorism and the security situation because of the difficult and aggressive posture from our eastern neighbor.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson pointed out that the weaponry that is available in Afghanistan and has now reached terror entities continue to pose a threat to Pakistan. She said this situation needs international attention and everyone should assume the responsibility that they have in this regard.

She reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said we have invited our partners especially in the Gulf to come and invest in Pakistan. She said we are in touch with them in this regard.