Meeting between the High Commissioner of Pakistan and the Deputy Prime Minister of NZ

The High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Abdul Malik, called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of New Zealand Honourable Winston Peters today to brief him about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir in the wake of unilateral and illegal actions of Indian government since 5 August 2019. During this meeting various matters relating to bilateral cooperation between the two countries also came under discussion.

The High Commissioner apprised the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister of the rising tension in South Asia due to Indian government’s extremist Hindu ideology and hegemonistic ambitions. He mentioned that people in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir were subjected to clamp down and there was a communication blockade since 5 August 2019. The worst human rights violations are being perpetrated by the Indian government, including arbitrary arrests, kidnapping of youth and denial of freedom of expression. He noted that India should give respect to rights of people of IOJ&K and resolve Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, which establish self-determination as governing principle for the settlement of Kashmir issue.

The High Commissioner expressed the need for more high-level political engagements that would pave the way for increased economic and trade ties between the two countries. He stated that there exist good opportunities for entrepreneurs and businessmen from New Zealand to invest in Pakistan. Pakistan could learn from New Zealand’s expertise in the fields of Agriculture, Dairy and cattle farming while New Zealand can import products from Pakistan. He also requested the New Zealand government to open a permanent resident Mission in Islamabad.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the High Commissioner for detailed briefing on situation in Kashmir and said New Zealand wants the Kashmir issue to be solved peacefully.

In the end High Commissioner thanked the Hon Deputy Prime Minister for his time and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Wellington 21 October 2019