Prime
Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that Pakistan is deeply
concerned over the grave situation of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Hundreds of
innocent men, women and children have lost their lives in what has rightly been
described as a ‘text-book’ case of ethnic cleansing. Over 400,000 have been
forced to flee their homes and seek protection and shelter in neighboring
countries. The systematic and endemic discrimination against the Rohingya
Muslims of Myanmar must end, says a press release received from New York here
today.
The
international community must exert its utmost pressure on the Government of
Myanmar to stop the carnage of the Rohingyas. We call upon the Government of
Myanmar to take immediate steps to deescalate the situation and ensure the
safety and security of the Muslim Rohingya population; Respect its obligations
under international law, and hold to account all perpetrators of violence
against the Rohingyas; Immediately allow a UN fact finding mission to the
country; Allow immediate access of humanitarian supplies to the affected areas;
Create favorable conditions for sustainable and safe return of all Rohingya
refugees; Grant legitimate rights including citizenship, communal participation
and representation and freedom of movement, to the Rohingya, as equal citizens
of Myanmar.
He further said as a collective voice
of Muslim nations, the OIC must play its leading role as a voice of conscience
for our Rohingya Muslim brothers and sisters. You will have Pakistan’s firm and
abiding support to this virtuous cause. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to
take full part in any humanitarian effort by the OIC or UN to help the Rohingya
Muslims.
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