ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon Tuesday called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Parliament House.
The meeting focused on efforts to highlight the Jammu and Kashmir dispute at regional and international forums, Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in keeping the longstanding dispute on the international agenda.
The minister briefed the NA Speaker on his visit to the United States in connection with the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, outlining his diplomatic engagements and meetings with representatives of various countries and other international dignitaries to highlight the Kashmir cause.
Qasim Noon paid tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for effectively highlighting the Jammu and Kashmir issue during his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He said the prime minister had effectively conveyed the aspirations of the Kashmiri people to the international community and called for a just resolution of the longstanding dispute.
He said that the address had helped reinforce Pakistan’s position and draw renewed international attention to the Kashmir cause.
Ayaz Sadiq appreciated the diplomatic and parliamentary efforts of the Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir to highlight the dispute at the international level.
He stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is a longstanding international dispute that requires a just and lasting settlement in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Ayaz Sadiq also underscored the need to draw sustained international attention to the alarming human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their right to self-determination.
Both leaders agreed that parliamentary diplomacy is an effective means of highlighting the Jammu and Kashmir dispute at regional and international forums.
They emphasised the need to strengthen engagement with international parliamentary bodies, world leaders and diplomatic missions to present Pakistan’s position effectively and maintain international focus on a just resolution of the dispute.
Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed the commitment of the Parliament, the Government and the people of Pakistan to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Furthermore, Ayaz Sadiq reiterated that parliamentary and diplomatic efforts remain vital to achieving a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the long-standing conflict.