MEETING OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER WITH THE SPEAKER OF THE NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT

The High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Abdul Malik met with the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt. Hon. Trevor Mallard at his chamber in the Parliament on 18 February 2020. The High Commissioner briefed the Rt. Hon. Speaker on the current situation of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) while various issues of mutual concern also came under discussion. The High Commissioner highlighted the human rights violations committed by the Indian government in IOJ&K, particularly in the aftermath of illegal action of 5th August leading to a humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. He said that the Kashmir dispute, which is internationally acknowledged, must be resolved in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people. He reiterated Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir until the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination. He hoped that continuing international scrutiny would exert pressure on India to reverse its unilateral measures, end the inhuman lockdown, cease the blatant violations of the human rights of Kashmiri people and change its threatening posture towards Pakistan. The Rt. Hon. Speaker thanked the High Commissioner for the briefing on Kashmir and expressed New Zealand’s support to the dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the dispute. He stressed the need to develop closer cooperation of two parliaments within framework of the Commonwealth. -Wellington 18 February 2020