New York Summit: OIC, Turkey, and Pakistan Discuss Kashmir’s Future

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, a pivotal meeting was held in New York, focusing on the Kashmir issue. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Kashmir brought together key figures, including Foreign Ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Niger. The gathering was led by OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, with the participation of a Kashmiri delegation. Discussions centered on the political and security conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the human rights situation. Pakistan’s representative, Tariq Fatemi, underscored that a resolution to the Kashmir dispute is essential for lasting peace in South Asia. He appealed to the OIC to exert pressure on India, calling for the release of political prisoners. The OIC acknowledged the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and commended the ongoing mediation efforts. The organization emphasized that a lasting peace in the region is unlikely without a resolution to the Kashmir issue and also noted that aggressive statements from regional leaders could hinder peace processes. The OIC raised concerns regarding the numerous arrests of political and human rights activists, as well as restrictions on religious gatherings in Srinagar, particularly at the Jamia Masjid and Eidgah. The organization reiterated its stance against the Indian government’s decisions of August 5, 2019, and the resulting demographic shifts, while stating that elections in Kashmir cannot substitute for the right to self-determination. During the UNGA in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his call for India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, suggesting the UN Security Council’s involvement. India has maintained its position that the matter of Jammu and Kashmir falls under its internal jurisdiction.