ISLAMABAD, AUG 16 (DNA) – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussed the current situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir with Foreign Minister Stef Blok of the Netherlands in a telephonic conversation today.

The Foreign Minister highlighted India’s illegal and unilateral actions seeking to alter the disputed status of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its demographic structure, which had evoked a strong backlash.

He apprised the Dutch Foreign Minister of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under total lockdown and curfew since 05 August 2019.

There were apprehensions of genocide and ethnic cleansing of Kashmiris by India. These actions were a threat to peace and security in the entire region.

The Foreign Minister added that India was resorting to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control resulting in casualties on the Pakistan side.

The Foreign Minister urged the Netherlands to play its role and impress upon India to lift the curfew and ameliorate the hardships and suffering of the people in IOK.

Foreign Minister Blok stated that they were closely following the developments in Kashmir and emphasized upon the need to avoid further escalation of tensions. He urged India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue to address and resolve outstanding issues.

The two Foreign Ministers consult each other on issues of mutual importance and agreed to remain in contact.