ISLAMABAD, JUL 21(DNA) -In a statement today in Venezuela, Ms. Andleeb Abbas, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation to the Non-Aligned Movement’s consistent support for the right of self-determination of people living under foreign occupation. Ms. Andleeb Abbas is leading Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) being held in Caracas, Venezuela on 20-21 July 2019.

Referring to the situation in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IoK), the Parliamentary Secretary paid tribute to NAM’sconsistent rejection of attempts by some countries to equate freedom struggles of people under foreign occupation with terrorism. She highlighted that the recent UN report has once again reaffirmed the Kashmiris right to self-determination, underscoring that the report has also documented the large-scale and horrific human rights violations in IoK especially the indiscriminate use of pellet guns on women and children that has now been reported as mass blinding. Ms. Andleeb Abbas called for resolution of the internationally-recognized Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The Parliamentary Secretary also shared Pakistan’s vision and policy of peaceful neighborhood to help create a win-win framework for development, prosperity and security. She highlighted the efforts Pakistan has and is making to facilitate political settlement in Afghanistan. She articulated Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving global and regional developments, while emphasizing NAM’s role to address challenges to international peace, security and prosperity, especially through promoting respect for international law.

While underlining Pakistan’s unparalleled efforts, achievements and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Ms. Andleeb Abbas stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation and addressing the root causes of terrorism. She also cautioned against politicization of the global counter terrorism efforts and called for holding individuals to account under the UN’s sanctions regime who have committed acts of terrorism but remain outside its jurisdiction so far.
The Ministerial meeting adopted a Final Document that captures NAM’s long-standing positions on the full range of global and regional issues that have a bearing on issues of peace, security and development.
Consisting of 120 Member States and 27 Observers, the Non-Aligned Movement has played a seminal role in upholding the UN Charter principles, international law and global norms. Pakistan has regularly participated in NAM meetings and contributed significantly to shaping its positions. Pakistan’s participation in this meeting is illustrative of its commitment to NAM’s role, contribution and relevance in the contemporary world.