Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) delegation, headed by its Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha visited Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The delegation comprised Assistant Secretary-General (KSA), Ambassador Yousef Aldobeiy, Permanent representative of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Matin Eker, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Shahin Abdullah Abdullayev, Permanent Representative of KSA, Ambassador Dr. Saleh Hamad A. Alsuhaibani, Permanent Representative of Niger, Ambassador Dieye Ali, Director Asian Affairs (the Maldives), Ambassador Ahmed Sareer, Professional Officer at Cabinet of Secretary-General (Senegal), Mr. Mansour Sy Diop, and Professional Officer at Department of political Affairs (Pakistan), Mr. Waqas Latif, visited Muzaffarabad and Line of Control (LoC).

The delegation visited Chakothi sector where General Officer Commanding Chinar Division, Major General Wajid Aziz, welcomed the dignitaries at LoC and comprehensively briefed about the prevailing situation in the region. The suffering of Kashmiri Muslims living in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was highlighted in detail besides atrocities of Indian occupation forces in the garb of cordon and search operations (CASO). Delegates were also informed about the welfare measures undertaken by Pakistan Army for the betterment of the people of the AJK. The delegation also met and interacted with victims of ceasefire violations, including victims of cluster ammunition, members of village defense committee and local civil administration at Chakothi. Earlier, on reaching Muzaffarabad, Secretary-General OIC also laid floral wreath at Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs’ Monument, paid respect and offered fateha in memory of the people who sacrificed their lives for the Kashmir cause.

The delegation also met President AJK, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and Prime Minister, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan besides representatives of various political parties and civil society for their valuable insight into the Kashmir issue. The OIC Secretary-General, while speaking as the Chief Guest at a reception hosted by President AJK said, “Kashmir is a top priority of the OIC”. He said, “We want to open a ‘channel of discussion’ between all stakeholders on the Kashmir issue so that this issue can be resolved through diplomacy. The voice of Kashmiris would be conveyed to the Islamic world, and the international community will also be taken on board in this regard. Kashmir is a part of the OIC, and it is our responsibility to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully and according to the wishes of Kashmiris. I assure you that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir in their struggle for securing their right to self determination.” 

While interacting with Kashmiri leaders during a meeting held at the presidency, the Secretary-General of the OIC said, “Today we have had the opportunity to visit the LoC and talk to the victims of the Indian aggression. The world needs to be told more about the human rights violations taking place in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” Responding to a question by the participants, the OIC Secretary-General said, “Being the representative of Islamic countries, it is our responsibility to highlight the Kashmir issue and solve it. We will solve this problem together with friendly countries to ensure durable peace in the region.”
Barrister Sultan Mehmood thanked the OIC member countries, particularly the OIC Secretary-General for his consistent support to Kashmiris’ just struggle for the right to self determination. “The OIC has helped the Kashmiri people at every stage and we are deeply grateful to the Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha for visiting Muzaffarabad and reaffirming his unwavering support to the Kashmir cause”, the president said. Later, talking to the media at the sideline of the ceremony, the President categorically said, “Kashmir is not a border dispute, but it is all about the right of self determination of millions of Kashmiris settled on both sides of LoC.” Referring to the worsening political and human rights situation in the IIOJK, the president urged the international community to play its much-needed role to stop bloodshed and violence in the occupied valley.

PRO X Corps