On Pakistan’s re-election to UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for three years, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said Pakistan would continue to expose human rights violations, committed by India in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Pakistan will continue to expose human rights violations committed with impunity by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK,” the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Imran Khan said, “We remain committed to upholding human rights for all, prioritizing advancement of tolerance & constructive engagement.”

He expressed the commitment to stand resolute against Islamophobia and in support of mutual respect. “Pakistan will continue efforts towards consensus building and ensuring HRC’s work is guided by principles of universality, impartiality, dialogue & cooperation,” he said.

He commended the role of the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s missions abroad in yet another diplomatic achievement, enhancing Pakistan’s profile and recognition on the international stage.

Qureshi toes PM’s line

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said on election to the United Nations top human rights body, Pakistan would utilize the platform to effectively highlight Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir and the growing trend of Islamophobia.

“This is a significant opportunity for Pakistan to bring to light the ongoing intense human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the Foreign Minister told reporters in Islamabad.

Pakistan Tuesday was re-elected to United Nations Human Rights Council for a period of three years, commencing January 1, 2021, with a big vote of 169 in the Asia-Pacific group.
The 193-member UN General Assembly held elections for 15 new members to the 47-member Human Rights Council, based in the Geneva.

Qureshi felicitated the entire nation and lauded the coordinated efforts of Pakistan’s missions in New York and the Geneva and also the United Nations Division to make possible outstanding results.

He said the subject of human rights was of utmost importance for Pakistan and vowed to use its position to highlight Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Islamophobia.

To a question, he said the Kashmir Valley was burning amid horrific tales of human right abuses and unending episodes of extrajudicial killings and abductions of innocent Kashmiris.

“Though the UN forum, Pakistan wants to give a clear message to the world community that it will not let the voices of Kashmiris be suppressed by India,” he added.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan would stand with their Kashmiri brethren in their demand for right to self-determination and would continue to extend moral, diplomatic and political support.

He mentioned that several other Muslim causes needed attention to be addressed, where Pakistan could play an important role in their resolution.

Qureshi said Pakistan secured overwhelming majority of 169 votes in the 193-member United Nations General Assembly and thanked the countries for extending support to Pakistan.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan and he himself, had written letters to leadership of other countries to rally support for voting at the forum.