The Governor of Balochistan, Jaffer Mandokhel, expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), warning that the crisis poses a significant threat not only to the security of South Asia but also to global peace.  APHC-AJK Secretary Information, Mushtaq Ahmad Butt, met with Governor Mandokhel at the Governor's House in Quetta.

During the meeting, he briefed the Governor on the latest developments unfolding in IIOJK. The Governor reiterated that Pakistan will persist in advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination across all international forums, underscoring that Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the Kashmiri cause. 

Governor Mandokhel appealed to international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other human rights organizations to urgently address India's ongoing oppression in IIOJK and actively work towards ensuring Kashmiris' right to self-determination.  Mushhtaq Ahmad Butt further highlighted the grave situation in IIOJK, including the continuation of Indian state terrorism and egregious human rights violations.

He provided an overview of the severe consequences that followed India’s illegal actions on August 5, 2019, when IIOJK’s special status was revoked. Butt explained that this move not only violated the territory’s autonomy but also marked the beginning of a concerted effort to erase Kashmir’s Muslim identity, cultural heritage, and religious character, while attempting to alter the demographic composition by turning the region into a Hindu-majority state. 

He also drew attention to the ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the BJP-led Indian government against Kashmiri youth, women, and Hurriyat leaders, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, media censorship, and the inhumane treatment of political prisoners. The APHC-AJK leader expressed his gratitude to Governor Mandokhel for his warm hospitality and for his unwavering support and solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their struggle.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)