He highlighted the joint statement by a cross-regional group of more than 50 countries which demanded India to immediately lift the curfew/lockdown; end the use of force including the use of pellet guns; release all political prisoners; and implement recommendations of UN Reports on Jammu and Kashmir released in 2018/2019. He said that the joint statement is a mechanism which is being used in the Human Rights Council to express collective voice of member and non-member states of the Human Rights Council. In addition, a number of statements have been made by different regional/political groups, UN member states and INGOs on the worsening human rights situation in IoJK. The High Commissioner for Human Rights expressing her serious concern also reported on the current grave human rights situation in IoJK, he added.
"From amongst the various options available to us, a considered decision was taken in favor of a joint statement with cross-regional wide support," he said, adding that no voting has taken place at this session of the Human Rights Council to date. Any speculation in this regard is, therefore, completely specious and fictitious.
"Considering the actions taken by India in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir transgress all limits of legality, human rights and humanitarian norms, Pakistan will remain relentless in its efforts to seek measures to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people," he said. He asserted that due to Pakistan's efforts Kashmir has now been acknowledged as the situation of immense concern at the Human Rights Council.