On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, a representative delegation of civil society, led by Advocate Bilal Shakeel, submitted a memorandum to the United Nations observers.  Among those present were Press Club General Secretary Sardar Zafar Nazir, Haji Ijaz, Tanveer Khaliq, Tasneem Shaukat, and others. Various political, social, and public organizations jointly presented a memorandum to the United Nations observers to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.  

It expressed serious concern over the grave human rights violations being committed in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The memorandum stated that atrocities by Indian forces against unarmed Kashmiris—including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression, and attempts to alter the demographic structure constitute clear violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.  

The participants demanded that the United Nations ensure the implementation of its resolutions and play an immediate and effective role in granting the Kashmiri people their internationally recognized right to self-determination. Speakers on the occasion said that the purpose of observing Kashmir Solidarity Day is to once again draw the attention of the world toward the Kashmir issue. They emphasized that the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people cannot be suppressed and that Pakistan, along with peace-loving people around the globe, stands firmly with them. 

The memorandum appealed to the United Nations to send an independent fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, ensure the release of political prisoners, and play an effective role in lifting restrictions imposed on the Kashmiri leadership. The United Nations observers received the memorandum and assured that the concerns of the Kashmiri people would be conveyed to the relevant forums. At the conclusion, participants reaffirmed their resolve to continue moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people at all levels.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)