The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has urged both India and Pakistan to ease tensions and promptly resume diplomatic dialogue, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict. The call comes amid escalating regional unrest following the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi voiced serious concerns over the worsening security dynamics in South Asia. He condemned the targeting of civilians and cautioned India against directing blame at its Muslim population in the aftermath of such incidents.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint and immediately resume direct negotiations,” Albudaiwi stated, highlighting that disputes should be addressed through peaceful means in line with international law and the UN Charter to preserve regional peace and stability.
Reaffirming the GCC’s strong opposition to terrorism in all forms, Albudaiwi called on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kashmir issue, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Separately, the GCC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), based in Jeddah, issued a strong statement condemning India’s policy of collective punishment in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The commission accused Indian extremist elements of inciting violence against Muslims and reminded India of its obligation to protect its Muslim population, which numbers around 200 million.
The IPHRC also appealed to the United Nations and international actors to pressure India to cease efforts aimed at changing the region’s demographic composition and to ensure the immediate release of all political prisoners held in Jammu and Kashmir.
