MUZAFFARABAD:A delegation from the Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organization (MAPIM) on Thursday reaffirmed its support for the just cause of Kashmiris, pledging to take concrete steps to highlight human rights violations by India in occupied Jammu and Kashmir on international platforms.

`Our organization is deeply committed to the Kashmir issue and will play an active role in bringing it to global attention,` said Haji Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, President of Majlis Perundangan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia, during a meeting with Chaudhry Latif Akbar, the Acting President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to an officialpress release,Mr Azmiinformed Mr Akbar that to maintain the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Kashmir, MAPIM had established the `Friends of Kashmir` group and would take additional measures to strengthen bilateral ties.

He also announced that scholarships and other opportunities would be provided to AJK`s youth, along with the establishment of a Kashmir-Malaysia-Pakistan Centre to enhance bilateral relations.

Earlier, while briefing the visiting delegation, Mr Akbar underscored the urgency of a lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute for regional and global peace.

Condemning India`s oppressive tactics aimed at suppressing the freedom movement, he said New Delhi had blatantly deprived the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir of their fundamental rights and was destabilizing the region through relentless aggression.

Calling India`s unilateral action of August 5, 2019, a grave injustice to the Kashmiri people, Mr Akbar lauded Pakistan for consistently advocating the Kashmir cause at international forums.

He also commended Malaysia`s unwavering support in amplifying the voice of the oppressed Kashmiri people on global platforms.

Expressing hope that international human rights organizations would take cognizance of India`s warcrimes, the acting president urged them to take meaningful action to end the longstanding oppression of Kashmiris.

Later, the delegation visited SOS Hermann Gmeiner School on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, where they were briefed on the institution`s objectives, funding sources, and ongoing projects.

Zubaria Hussain, an assistant director at the school, highlighted that SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools primarily focussed on providing quality e ducation and comprehensive training to underprivileged and orphaned children, equipping them to become responsible members of society.

She informed the delegation that the institution had two setups in AJK-one in Muzaffarabad and the other in Rawalakot.

She further said that SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools System operated a subsidiary unit, SOS Youth Home, dedicated to training older children and preparing them for independent and productive lives.

The land for the Muzaffarabad facility was allocated by the AJK government, while its administration was managed by an NGO, with financial support from philanthropists across Pakistan.

During the visit, Mr Azmi handed over a donation cheque to the school`s official as a gesture of support for its noble mission.

Tariq Naqash