South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, expressed concern over the timing and purpose of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Monday.

Prime Minister Kham’s visit to Colombo from February 22-23 coincides with the virtual launch of 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where it is reported that a new resolution on Sri Lanka will be discussed based on the report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights mandated by 40/1(2019).

SAHR recalls that this is also at a time when the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has been criticized for forcibly cremating the corpses of COVID infected Muslim persons against WHO guidelines. colombopage said. 

Meanwhile, 7th Session of Commerce Secretaries Level Talks, hosted by Pakistan, were held virtually in Islamabad between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, an official statement said.

The delegates from both sides discussed strengthening trade ties and resolving issues impeding trade. Prospects of enhancing trade through mutual cooperation and facilitation were also discussed.