India committing massive HR violations in Kashmir: FM

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Wednesday India is committing massive human rights violations in illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where innocent civilians are facing oppression of Hindutva mindset.

He was speaking at an Arts Exhibition held in Islamabad to pay tributes to Kashmiris’ just struggle for their Right-to-Self Determination.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said India of Gandhi and Nehru is being overtaken by the Hindutva mindset, which is dangerous for regional tranquility and harmony.

Talking about recent incident of harassment of a Muslim girl in Indian state of Karnataka, the Foreign Minister said minorities, especially Muslims, are facing worst kind of discrimination in Indian.

He said humanity is suffering under Hindutva mindset and the world community should take notice of Karnataka-like incidents.

Qureshi expressed the belief that Kashmiris’ struggle for achieving their right to Self Determination will succeed.

Later talking to media, the Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Russia will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said matters pertaining to mutual interest will come under discussion during the visit.

Qureshi said situation in Afghanistan will also be discussed. He said Russia has played an important and positive role in Afghanistan.

Answering a question regarding relations with India, the Foreign Minister said Pakistan wants peace in the region. He said issues can be resolved through dialogue.

To another question, he said separate letters were written to Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif regarding legislation for establishment of South Punjab province. He said still a reply from both the leaders was awaited.

He said he has written another letter to both the leaders on the same issue quoting statistics of a report published by UNDP.

It is pertinent to mention that UNDP in its report has revealed that South Punjab is the most backward and underdeveloped area of Punjab.