Pakistan calls for OIC probe into LoC ceasefire violations

Islamabad: Seeking to internationalise tensions along the Line of Control, Pakistan has called for an investigation into the recent incidents there by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. "We would also welcome an OIC fact-finding mission to investigate the recent incidents of ceasefire violations along the LoC," Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said while addressing a meeting of the OIC contact group on Kashmir in Cairo on February 6.

She reiterated that Pakistan is ready to work with the United Nations Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan to carry out an independent inquiry into the ceasefire violations.

Earlier, Pakistan's attempt to rope in the UN by demanding a probe by UNMOGIP was foiled by India, which rejected it saying the matter can be settled bilaterally. Clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops in January were among the worst violations of the ceasefire that was put in place along the 742-km LoC in late 2003.

Clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops in January were among the worst violations of the ceasefire.

One Indian soldier was beheaded while the body of another jawan was mutilated by the Pakistan army men in ceasefire violations in Mendhar sector in Poonch last month. Pakistan claims three of its soldiers were killed in Indian firing. Khar again contended that there were "negative and hostile statements emanating from the Indian leadership" during the ceasefire violations.

She said Pakistan chose to "exercise restraints to keep the Pakistan-India peace process on track".

"Pakistan has entered into dialogue with India in good faith to amicably resolve the Kashmir dispute. We are earnestly implementing the cross-LoC confidence-building measures to bring relief to the divided families and reduce the sufferings of the Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC," she said in her address.

The CBMs had contributed towards creating a "congenial environment between the two countries to address the issue of Jammu and Kashmir", she said.

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