ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said the rising wave of Hindutva in India has emerged as a serious threat not only to Indian Muslims but also to regional security.

In his statement at the 47th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Niamey, Niger on Friday, the Foreign Minister said Modi government is systematically attacking the country’s over 180 million Muslims.

The Foreign Minister said suffering and the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains particularly dire. In the backdrop of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, IIOJK has turned into a grave human and humanitarian tragedy.

He said for over 15 months now, over 8 million Kashmiris continue to face lockdown, military siege, communications blockade, arbitrary detentions, and unprecedented restrictions. The entire occupied territory has turned into the world’s largest open air prison.

He said to gloss over its crimes and malign the indigenous resistance movement in IIOJK, India hurls false accusations of cross-border terrorism against Pakistan and may resort to a false flag operation and undertake another misadventure.

He said India also continues to commit violations of the 2003 ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control, deliberately targeting the civilian population.

The Foreign Minister said to effectively confront the Corona pandemic, we need to coordinate our actions, benefit from each other’s experiences and pool our resources by bringing governments, scientists and research institutions together.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the rise and political mainstreaming of far-right extremism in many countries is creating a hostile environment for Muslims. It is critical to raise awareness about this new scourge. He said Pakistan has always played the lead role in combating Islamophobia, and will continue to do so.

Foreign Minister said Peace and stability in the Middle East is a priority for Pakistan. Illegal annexation of the Palestinian territory, building of illegal settlements and inhuman living conditions of the Palestinian make realization of that dream more difficult every passing day.

He said Peace in Afghanistan is key to stability and progress of the entire region. Apart from Afghanistan itself, Pakistan has suffered the most from conflict in Afghanistan, and will be the biggest beneficiary of peace in the country.

He said we continue to fully support the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, and hope that our collective endeavours will result in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in diverse fields of economy and trade, including energy.

The understanding was reached at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on the sidelines of the 47th session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Niger on Friday. They decided that the two sides will soon have exchange of delegations in this regard.

The Saudi Foreign Minister said his country is committed to promote bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in various fields. He said his country gives high value to its historical, deep and long-lasting relations with Pakistan.

The Saudi Foreign Minister appreciated the efforts made by Pakistan for establishing peace in the region.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qursehi apprised his Saudi counterpart on the latest grave situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He also thanked the Saudi Foreign Minister for principled and permanent support to the Kashmir issue.

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the role of the OIC.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also held a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Mohammed Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the 47th session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey today (Friday).

Speaking on the occasion, he said Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan and dignified and honorable return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan will continue to play its conciliatory role for peace in Afghanistan.

Also, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan and dignified and honorable return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

He said during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Mohammed Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the 47th session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Niger on Friday.

He said Pakistan will continue to play its conciliatory role for peace in the neighboring country.

The Foreign Minister said the Afghan leadership should remain cognizant of the elements which want to sabotage peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Afghanistan.

The Afghan Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process.