“In future, arguments being extended by these aggressors could be exploited to launch attacks on other countries as well,” says Dar
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Muhammad Ishaq Dar said a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was imperative for a lasting peace in South Asia.
In a statement made at the meeting of OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir in Istanbul, he said, “South Asian region is home to over one-fifth of the world population and it could ill-afford the consequences of irresponsible Indian actions. “Today’s meeting is taking place at an important juncture as our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Iran are facing Israel’s relentless onslaught. Only last month, Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were also attacked by India. The attacks by Israel and India set a dangerous precedent for unilateral aggression,” he added.
“In future, the arguments being extended by these aggressors could be exploited to launch attacks on other countries as well. In these challenging times, the Islamic unity and joint Islamic action are required more than ever. The current Indian designs in Jammu and Kashmir are, in fact, a replication of the Israeli designs in Palestine. The script being enacted by Israel and India - in Palestine and Kashmir respectively - is essentially the same with particular reference to egregious human rights violations and blatantly illegal attempts to changing the demographics,” he explained.
He was of the view that the situations were worsening and called for the urgent attention of the international community for a peaceful resolution, in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions and aspirations of the local people. “This attention, however, must not be aimed at legitimizing the status quo. Illegal and lopsided solutions cannot be unilaterally imposed. Only those solutions could bring the lasting peace, which are in conformity with the international law. The true peace is characterized by prevalence of justice, not absence of violence,” he remarked.
He recalled that India attacked Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, without any verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025. “It chose the path of belligerence and aggression despite an offer by the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a transparent and independent probe into this tragic incident. Most deplorably, India did not pay heed to the calls for restraint, made by the international community, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” he added.
“During the intervening night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India deliberately targeted the civilian areas on the false pretext of presence of terrorist infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children. India’s unprovoked firing and shelling at the Line of Control also resulted in the loss of precious lives, houses and other assets. In view of India’s unabated aggression, Pakistan was constrained to respond in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our response, in the early hours of 10 May 2025, was mature, calibrated, restrained, and targeted only against military installations. The purpose of our action was to demonstrate our right, will and capability to defend our territory and people.”
“The Deputy Prime Minister said, “Today, Pakistan remains firmly committed to upholding the ceasefire and promoting an environment of regional stability. However, at a time when international efforts are being made for regional peace and stability, the statements emerging from India reflect an aggressive and belligerent approach. India is fabricating misleading narratives to justify aggression. These rhetorical statements must stop.” He said that the Indian authorities exploited the Pahalgam attack to launch a massive crackdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “There are reports that over 2800 Kashmiris were arrested or questioned in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
The draconian Public Safety Act was slapped on at least 75 of them. Police carried out extensive searches at multiple residences of the locals. Around three dozen houses were razed to ground through the use of explosives. “Ishaq Dar said, “In the last 78 years, India has tried different methods to consolidate its occupation of the large parts of Jammu and Kashmir.”