ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains hopeful that peace and stability in Iran will return while stressing the importance of continued sustained dialogue and engagement, as the best possible way out.
In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and EU High Representative/Vice President, Kaja Kallas in which they discussed the new hotspot in West Asia.
The three spoke as latest news from Iran spoke about improvements in the security situation while communication restrictions have also been eased after more than two weeks. In telephone call of Dar to his Iranian counterpart, according to the Foreign Office, “They discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region. The foreign minister expressed hope for peace and stability, and both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations on matters of mutual interest”. The foreign minister in his telephonic conversation with the EU high representative exchanged views on the recent regional and international developments including Iran. “The foreign minister reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement,” added the statement.
He also welcomed the “positive momentum in Pak-EU relations, discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation”.
Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned the reported profiling of mosques and mosque management committees in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“This blatant intrusion into religious affairs constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief and reflects yet another coercive attempt to intimidate and marginalise the Muslim population of the occupied territory,” said the Foreign Office. The statement comes after Indian media quoting local residents and Kashmiri leaders, reported that police in the occupied valley distributed forms to “collect” financial and personal details of mosques and seminaries, including mosque leaders and members of management committees. The Foreign Office, criticising the move, said that such forcible collection of personal details, photographs and sectarian affiliations of religious functionaries amounts to systematic harassment, aimed at instilling fear among worshippers and obstructing the free exercise of their faith. “These actions form part of a broader pattern of institutionalised Islamophobia driven by the Hindutva ideology of the occupying Indian government. The selective targeting of mosques and Muslim clergy lays bare the discriminatory and communal character of these policies,” it added.
Pakistan firmly believes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir possess an inalienable right to practice their religion without fear, coercion or discrimination. “Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with them and will persist in raising its voice against all forms of religious persecution and intolerance targeting Kashmiris,” assured the statement.
