*ISLAMABAD – Malaysia strongly responds over deteriorating condition inOccupied Kashmir.*

Malaysia has urged Pakistan and India to exercise “utmost restraint” andprevent further escalation of tension in the region.

“Malaysia is concerned over the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir,in particular the repeated escalation of tension in the region,” read astatement issued by Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad’soffice on Thursday.

“As a close partner to both India and Pakistan, Malaysia places high hopesthat the two neighbours will exercise utmost restraint to prevent furtherescalation that could be detrimental to the peace, stability and prosperityin the region.”

The Malaysian premier stressed the need for both sides to honour existingUnited Nations resolutions and engage in dialogue.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan, among others, referred to the need to respectthe relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions related toJammu and Kashmir,” read the communique.

“Malaysia would like to encourage all stakeholders to abide by the relevantUNSC resolutions.