Pakistan notes with alarm experts’ observations that India’s actions have resulted in extensive
A file photo of a protest in Indian-occupied Kashmir. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Wednesday took note with grave concern of the latest findings of United Nations Special Procedures experts on India’s illegal measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The report, released on November 24, once again underlines the serious and systematic human rights violations suffered by Kashmiris under Indian occupation, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson.
He added that Pakistan notes with alarm experts’ observations that India’s actions have resulted in the widespread and arbitrary arrest and detention of nearly 2,800 people, including journalists, students and human rights defenders.
The persistent application of draconian legislation, such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has facilitated indefinite and unjustifiable detentions.
The cases of torture, deaths in custody, incommunicado detention, denial of due process of law and family contact, punitive demolitions and forced evictions, recurring communication blackouts and suppression of press freedom (including the blocking of 8,000 social media accounts), as well as the rise of hate speech, lynchings and harassment targeting Kashmiris and Muslim communities across India, are equally deplorable and deeply worrying.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson further noted that these findings reaffirm Pakistan’s long-standing concerns regarding state-sponsored persecution of Kashmiri Muslims as well as discrimination against minorities across India.
Pakistan called on India to end its coercive measures and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained in IIOJK. Furthermore, we urge India to take concrete measures to end the persecution of all religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians.
Pakistan reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. “We urge India to end its repressive policies, reverse demographic and legal disruptions, restore fundamental freedoms and sincerely engage in meaningful dialogue.”
Pakistan will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their just fight against foreign occupation, the statement added.
UN experts on Monday raised the alarm over “serious human rights violations” in Indian-occupied Kashmir by the Indian government following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April this year, for which Delhi blamed Islamabad without any evidence.
The UN experts’ findings said Indian forces arrested more than 2,000 Kashmiris and demolished several houses in a wide-ranging crackdown after the Pahalgam attack.
They also highlighted reports of punitive home demolitions, forced evictions, and arbitrary displacements, and noted that some detainees were allegedly tortured, held incommunicado, and denied access to lawyers and family members.
“These measures are disproportionate restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” the experts said.
