Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Finance & Member Foreign Affair Committee- MNA Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi addressed the International Parliamentary Kashmir Conference organized by the Youth Parliament of Pakistan led by President Ubaid Qureshi and J&K Self Determination Movement International led by Raja Najabat in Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) as keynote Guest speaker to express the solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir state with others members of Parliament including Pakistan, United Kingdom & Europe.
MNA Zain H Qureshi said: More than 70 years on – the situation of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains a story of unspeakable atrocities and a grave humanitarian tragedy. Generations of the Kashmiris have suffered tremendously as the Kashmir dispute still awaits final disposition; the resolution of which must be done in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. However, the utter disregard for the International law, the International humanitarian law, and International resolution by the Indian Occupation forces in Kashmir continues to pose a question mark on the collective conscience of the international community. India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August, 2019 followed by an unprecedented military siege and communication blockade, stripped the Kashmiris of their fundamental freedoms. Amidst rampant human rights abuse, there exists a culture of impunity, which is reinforced by the draconian laws promoting a complete lack of accountability for the perpetrators.
The world needs to be aware of the numerous disturbing tales of innocent people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as they bear the brunt of systemic state violence. The Indian government cold-heartedly exploited Covid-19 crisis to intensify its military crackdown, rendering the Kashmiris more vulnerable under double lockdown with communication black outs. Can we, for a minute, put ourselves in their shoes and imagine the state of helplessness!
Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi further shared details about his recent visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the invitation of Youth Parliament Pakistan President Mr. Ubaid Qureshi. It was refreshing to be able to move around freely and interact with the Kashmiri youth. There was no violence. The Youth Parliament of Pakistan is also led by Kashmiri Youth at forefront. Do you think is it would be the same in case of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir? Official delegates and media reporters are denied access and interaction with the people living in IIOJK. The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights talk of the right of freedom of expression, whereas the voice of Kashmiris has been silenced mercilessly. I am sure that the mayhem and chaos in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir orchestrated by the Indian government would one day shake the world’s conscience.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Finance MNA Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi added: It is also important to shift our focus to the demographic apartheid of the valley, which is being is being carried out by the Indian government through implementation of illegal domicile laws. Incentives to the Hindi speaking belt are being offered to settle on the land of Kashmiris under the grab of development and national security.
He said: It is a matter of great satisfaction that the overseas Pakistanis, especially Kashmir Diaspora, continue to play their due part in highlighting, condemning and raising voice at various international forums for their Kashmiri brethren. Their firm resolve to stand with the Kashmiris till realization of their right to self-determination is evident. They have been actively stressing the issue at International level with the support of Foreign Members from different Parliaments.
MNA Zain said, I would like to underscore the role of former and current British and European Parliaments’ members, which is worthy of appreciation in this regard. Pakistan reiterates its support to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their alienable right for self-determination. I urge the International community to review its engagements with India and condemn India for its illegal actions. It bears reiteration that a global spotlight on the plight of Kashmiris is required to halt the ongoing wave of human rights abuses by Indian security forces in IIOJK.
Other Guest Speaker’s include Chairman Kashmir Parliamentary Committee MNA Shehrayar Khan Afridi, Chairman Youth Parliament of Pakistan & PRCS Abrar ul Haq, President Ubaid Qureshi, Chairman and DG Institute of Strategic Studies, Members of Parliament from UK & EU and Youth Parliament Members. Foreign Minister of Pakistan MNA Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi was present as the Chief Guest.
