ISLAMABAD, April 11 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain has urged upon Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play a proactive role in resolving the two oldest disputes of Palestine and Kashmir.
He was talking to OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The President appreciated OIC and brotherly Muslim countries for expressing solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their right to self-determination.
He commended the recent step taken by OIC in asking India to facilitate the visit of its Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Occupied Kashmir. The President noted that the visit of delegation of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of OIC to Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Line of Control last month was important and hoped that its report would carry great deal of credibility and respect.
Mamnoon Hussain said that terrorism is a global threat but unfortunately it is affecting Muslims more than anyone else. The President underscored the need that platform of OIC must be used to build a narrative against extremism and terrorism.
The President expressed concern at the disturbing rise in the incidents of racial and religious hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims and especially against Muslim minorities and asked the Secretary General to consider organizing a high level international event to draw attention of the international community to this end.
The President said that Pakistan will continue to be a staunch supporter of the goals and objectives of OIC and will remain an active participant in its work to promote and protect the interest of the Ummah.
Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said that the agenda of Kashmir issue is at the forefront of OIC and expressed grave concern on the ongoing gross human rights violations and inhuman treatment meted out to the innocent people of Kashmir by the Indian security forces.
He stated that OIC will continue to play its due role for just resolution of Kashmir and Palestine disputes in accordance with aspirations of their people.
APP/Zaheer/VNS, Islamabad
