Curfew enters 19th day: Qureshi apprises diplomatic corps about IoK's grave situation

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday briefed Islamabad-based diplomatic corps about the grave situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir amid continued imposition of curfew and communication blackout for the last 19 days.
According to Spokesperson Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal, Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised the diplomatic community of the Indian government's illegal actions of August 5 that were out rightly rejected both by Pakistan and the Kashmir people.
Qureshi further said that those politicians in the IoK who were earlier part of the previous administrations in the occupied valley have also rejected the illegal actions. He said that the protest demonstrations by nine political parties in New Delhi on Thursday was manifestation of the fact not only the Hurriat leaders but the political parties from within India have also rejected these steps of the Modi government.
The foreign minister further told the diplomatic corps that he has contacted his counterparts from a number of countries who also have expressed grave concerns over the situations in the occupied valley, adding that they all underscored the need for a peaceful solution of the dispute through dialogue. Qureshi said that he also apprised his counterparts of the continued lockdown, curfew and communication blackout in the occupied valley and the use of force by the Indian forces against those who attempt to violate the curfew. "According to out information, the situation is very shocking and I would like to inform you that we have always supported the path of dialogue. But, unfortunately, our offer for the dialogue has never been taken seriously," he said.
Qureshi further informed the foreign diplomats that Pakistan has also stated that the two nuclear powers should avoid a war because it is tantamount to a 'collective suicide,' but Pakistan's point of view has never been taken seriously.
He pointed out that despite India's opposition, UN Security Council held its session on August 16. "The support for the August 16 session of the UN Security Council by 15 members is manifestation of the fact that they believe that the issue needs an urgent attention," the foreign minister said, adding that the pending Kashmir dispute has posed serious threats to the regional peace.
The foreign minister questioned the Indian claims that the steps are aimed at socio-development of the people of IoK, saying if the claims are true then why the Modi government has kept the curfew continued. He said that the Indian government had announced opening of the schools in the occupied valley but the people did not send their children to school due to the environment full of fear and intimidation. "If everything is okay in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, why does Prime Minister Modi not chair a meeting in Srinagar?" he asked.