Pakistan offers medical treatment to victims of state violence in Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday vowed to arrange medical treatment for victims of state oppression by Indian security forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Victims, especially those who have been blinded by pellet guns, will receive the best treatment from anywhere in the world on immediate basis, a PM House Statement said.

The Prime Minister has called upon the international community to exercise its influence over India for enabling Pakistan to arrange for the medical treatment of the victims in the wake of ongoing humanitarian crisis in the valley.

"The magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in IOK has compelled us to immediately pool our material and human resources for treating the victims," said the Prime Minister.

"Even more gruesome is that health-care providers in IOK have not been allowed to treat the victims properly. The Indian security  forces have also been targeting the hospitals and ambulances providing health-care to the peaceful and defenceless innocent protestors," the Prime Minister added.

"Being blinded has severe consequences for the victims and their families; some victims of the pellet guns may never see light again. Still, they are resolute; they are guided by the light of freedom for the realization of their right to self determination. The world should realize this. Pakistan will continue to support them morally, politically and diplomatically," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has directed Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mobilize the support of international political leadership, humanitarian organizations and civil society through Pakistan Missions Abroad in exerting influence over India to allow Government of Pakistan for arranging the treatment of the victims in IOK on humanitarian grounds.

Pakistan will arrange for the boarding, lodging, expenses on the medical treatment for the victims, the Prime Minister further directed the Ministry.

More than 55 people have been killed and at least 100 wounded during protests sparked by the killing of a separatist Burhan Wani in Kasmhir this month.