The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has made an urgent appeal to Pakistan’s political leadership, seeking their intervention to help secure the early release of its incarcerated chairman, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, who is suffering from multiple ailments including prostate cancer, in India's Tihar Jail. 

In a letter addressed to the heads of Pakistan’s major political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Awami National Party (ANP), DFP acting chairman Mehmood Ahmed Saghar sought their diplomatic and political support for Shah’s release.  

Arrested in 2017, the veteran Kashmiri leader is currently battling prostate cancer that requires urgent and advanced treatment. “Mr. Shah, already battling multiple health issues, has now been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has lost significant weight, and doctors have advised multiple surgeries.

The required pre and post-operative care cannot be provided under the current prison conditions,” the letter stated. He regrettably noted that despite his deteriorating health, the Indian judiciary has refused to grant him bail. Saghar also highlighted the plight of other Kashmiri leaders such as JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, Dr. Hameed Fayaz of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Aasiya Andrabi, head of Dukhtaran-e-Millat — all of whom are suffering serious health issues while imprisoned in harsh conditions far from their homes. 

The letter pointed out that over 5,000 Kashmiris remain imprisoned  in jails across India under draconian laws, often without fair trial or basic rights, in clear violation of international human rights standards. In a separate letter to Kashmiri diaspora, Saghar urged the community to intensify global awareness efforts about India’s use of prolonged detention as a tool to suppress dissent and stifle the voices of Kashmiris demanding justice, dignity, and freedom. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)