British MPs call on FM Jilani

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A delegation of the British Members of Parliament called on the Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani here on Thursday. The delegation included Chairman Labour Friends of Kashmir, UK, MP Andrew Gwynne, Vice Chairperson, Labour Friends of Kashmir UK MP Naz Shah, and Vice Chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir MP Sam Tarry.

The foreign minister appreciated the visiting British MPs for raising their voice in support of the oppressed Kashmiri people. He urged the delegation to gear up efforts to enhance global awareness about the ongoing human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He emphasized the urgent need to end the human rights violations in IIOJK and for the release of all political prisoners. He stressed that India should implement the UN Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir so that the Kashmiri people may realize their inherent right to self-determination.

Foreign Minister Jilani stated that Pakistan was willing to resolve all disputes with India through dialogue. However, India would have to create a conducive environment for dialogue by reversing its illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019 in IIOJK. The Foreign Minister also lauded the role of the visiting MPs in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The members of the delegation expressed concern over the human rights violations in IIOJK. They maintained that all other human rights flowed from the right to self-determination. Therefore, the Kashmiri people should not be deprived of this inalienable right.