Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expressed 'deep concern' over J&K unrest: Pak

Islamabad: Pakistan on Saturday said the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has expressed "deep concern" over the Kashmir situation and reaffirmed its support for the right of self-determination for the people there.

Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani, who is here on a three-day visit from August 19-21, conveyed the grouping's concerns to the Pakistani side, the Foreign Office here said in a statement.

Claiming that Madani's visit to Pakistan was aimed at discussing the situation in Kashmir, it said, "discussions during the meeting (between Madani and Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz) focused on a number of challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly on the situation" in Kashmir and peace in Afghanistan.

Madani expressed "deep concern over the killing of innocent civilians" in Kashmir and sorrow at the "indiscriminate use of force and gross violations of human rights" in Kashmir by the Indian forces, the statement said.