The 16th extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) was held at the OIC Secretariat, Jeddah on 15 September 2019. The meeting was called by the OIC Secretariat at the request of Saudi Arabia as Chair of the 14th Islamic Summit. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the announcement by the Israeli Prime Minister of his intention to annex territories in the occupied West Bank in the event of winning Israeli Elections. Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Mr. Shafqat Mehmood led Pakistan delegation in the extraordinary meeting, which was chaired by Saudi Arabia. In his statement, the Minister said that the unilateral and irresponsible announcement by the Israeli Prime Minister, in violation of the UNSC resolutions and principles of International law, is a dangerous development to perpetuate occupation and further disenfranchise Palestinians. He hoped that the OIC will act to oblige Israel to halt its unlawful actions and move towards the path of political dialogue. The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Palestinian cause and reiterated Pakistan’s principled position that the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, on the basis of internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, is the only way to bring peace and stability in Middle East. The Minister highlighted the similar nature of freedom struggles in Palestine and Kashmir which have been subjected to collective punishment, state sanctioned terror and unspeakable sufferings. Speaking on the sufferings of the Kashmiris, the Minister stated that the people of Kashmir have been locked into a giant prison since 5 August, 2019, with their telephones and communications cut off, their young boys abducted from their houses in the middle of nights and subjected to torture, their political leaders arrested and imprisoned, and their access to health services and life savings drugs curtailed. The Minister said Indian claims of normalcy and ease of restrictions are being consistently challenged by the international media. He highlighted that calls continue to mount on India to immediately remove the indefensible lock down, lift the curfew and other restrictions and respect the Kashmiris’ rights. The Minister thanked the OIC for its continued solidarity with the Kashmiri people and full support in solution of the Kashmir dispute through UNSC resolutions as the people of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir have expectations and hopes from the OIC countries.Their struggle is just. Their rights, dignity and lives must be protected. We look forward to a continued political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people who are struggling for their legitimate right to self determination under the UN auspices. The Minister had interaction with the Secretary General and other Ministers from the OIC countries attending the meeting.
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