Pakistan High Commissioner calls on President

High Commissioner of Pakistan Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on 20 August to apprise him on the current situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

During the meeting, High Commissioner Dr. Hashmat briefed the President about India’s illegal and unilateral actions seeking to alter the disputed status of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its demographic structure, by revoking Article 370 and 35A. He also apprised the President of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under total lockdown and curfew since 5 August. He added that these steps were in contravention of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, and the International Law. The President acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory, and expressed his desire that this dispute should be resolved according to wishes of Kashmiris under UN Resolutions. He also offered Sri Lanka’s mediation and facilitation of dialogue between Pakistan and India to re-activate the SAARC forum.

He further said that resolution of Kashmir issue is essential for permanent peace and stability in the region.