Indian HR abuses in IoK need world’s immediate attention: Mazari

ISLAMABAD, Apr 03 (APP):Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari on Wednesday said human rights violations in the Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) needed immediate attention of the world.

The minister, in her extensive interaction with the European parliamentarians in Brussels, spoke about the gross human rights abuses being committed by the Indian security forces in the occupied Kashmir, according to a message received here.

At a lunch hosted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Wajid Khan, Dr Mazari thanked him and his colleagues for raising their voice in support of the Kashmiri people in a recent exchange of views on Kashmir in the parliament’s sub-committee on human rights.

The MEPs present in the dinner, agreed with the minister that there was a need for more concerted efforts by the EU to highlight the Kashmir issue.

At the dinner hosted by Ambassador of Pakistan Naghmana Hashmi, Dr Mazari briefed the EU parliamentarians, the European Commission officials, members of think tanks and local media, on the matured response of Pakistan to unwarranted escalation by India.

She highlighted that the priorities of the government were to focus on the socio-economic development of Pakistan and peaceful relations with its neighbours.

She regretted that Indian domestic politics stood in the way of any meaningful engagement at the point despite Pakistan’s peace overtures, including opening of the Kartarpour Corridor.

The minister also held a detailed meeting with the EU’s Envoy for Protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief Jan Figel. She underscored Pakistan’s concerns over rising incidence of Islamophobia in Europe and urged that the EU should take a proactive role in addressing these concerns.

She also briefed the Special Envoy on the steps being taken by the Pakistani government in the human rights domain.