On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Groups on Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan held meetings to review regional peace and security.
Kashmir Contact Group Reaffirms Priority Issue
The Kashmir Contact Group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Niger, and Azerbaijan, reaffirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a vital priority on the OIC agenda. The meeting condemned India’s unilateral actions since August 2019, denounced human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and rejected any electoral exercises under the Indian Constitution as a substitute for the right to self-determination.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Military Escalation
Delegates also raised concern over India’s military escalation following the Pahalgam attack, including the detention of nearly 2,800 Kashmiris and demolition of homes. They urged India to release political prisoners, lift bans on Kashmiri political parties, and repeal draconian laws. Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Syed Tariq Fatem,i thanked OIC members for their “steadfast support,” stressing that durable peace in South Asia depends on resolving the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Afghanistan Contact Group Focuses on Stability
Separately, the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan, chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, discussed the need for stability in Afghanistan. Dar underscored that Afghanistan cannot remain isolated and called on OIC members to ensure unconditional humanitarian funding, revive banking and trade systems, and promote regional connectivity.
Call for Action Against Terrorism
Dar also voiced serious concern over terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, urging Kabul to take verifiable action against cross-border terrorism. He proposed forming an OIC working group of experts to create a roadmap for Afghanistan’s peace and prosperity, stressing that stability requires “sincerity, mutual respect, and political will.”
Shared Emphasis on Regional Peace
Both OIC Contact Groups highlighted that peace in South Asia hinges on resolving long-standing disputes and addressing humanitarian concerns, while strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
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