ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Foreign Office Monday evening summoned the Indian High Commissioner and conveyed Islamabad’s serious concerns over the continued killings in Kashmir.

“The foreign secretary called in the Indian High Commissioner this evening and conveyed Pakistan’s serious concerns over the recent killings of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani and many other civilians in Indian occupied Kashmir by the Indian military and paramilitary forces,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office read.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry also deplored the extrajudicial killings of innocent Kashmiris.

“The use of excessive force against innocent civilians protesting peacefully over extrajudicial killings, is deplorable and blatant violation of the right to life, right to freedom of expression and opinion, right to peaceful protest, right to peaceful assembly and other fundamental rights,” the communiqué quoted Chaudhry as saying.

He highlighted such brutal use of force were not acceptable under any circumstances.

Aizaz also called for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for the killings.

“It was emphasised that oppressive measures cannot deter the valiant people of the Jammu and Kashmir from their demand of exercising their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.

The foreign secretary reiterated Pakistan’s call on the Indian government to fulfil its human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the UN Security Council resolutions to resolve Kashmir dispute.

Indian reaction

India yesterday urged Pakistan to refrain from interfering in her ‘internal affairs’.

“We have seen statements from Pakistan on the situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. They reflect Pakistan’s continued attachment to terrorism and its usage as an instrument of state policy. Pakistan is advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours,” Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.