Kashmiris' self-determination struggle has gained a 'new momentum': Pakistan

United Nations, Sept 22 (APP): Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has told a ministerial panel of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC)that Kashmiris' struggle for the right to self-determination has gained a "new momentum" that deserves full support of the international community and the Muslim Ummah (community).

"It is our moral obligation and collective responsibility to support the Kashmiri people in their just cause," the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency quoted Khar, as saying to the OIC's Contact Group on Kashmir.

Apart from Pakistan, the meeting was attended by Saudi Arabian, Turkish and Niger delegates. OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu chaired the deliberations.

Calling on India to exercise restraint, Khar said that New Delhi has to accept Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory and ensure that there were no further killings. She also demanded that those responsible for the 2,156 mass unmarked graves be brought to justice.

Khar also called for the release of political prisoners and convict those responsible for torture, brutalities and murders.

"The people of Pakistan cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of their brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir," Khar said while regretting that even after more than six decades, the fundamental right to self-determination, which is enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, was being denied to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

She further said that Pakistan is committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

"Pakistan is convinced that the key to enduring peace, security and stability in South Asia lies in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan has demonstrated seriousness of purpose and sincerity in seeking the resumption of dialogue process with India," Khar was quoted, as saying.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutogl and representatives of Saudi Arabia and Niger also called for a peaceful settlement of the decades-old Kashmir dispute through the dialogue with India.

They cited the relevant UN resolutions as the basis for settling the dispute, with the involvement of Kashmiri people in the process. (ANI)