British political leaders have condemned the brutal tyranny in Indian Occupied Kashmir and expressed strong support to the Kashmiri freedom struggle against Indian occupation. Centre for Peace, Security and Developmental Studies (CPSD), organized an International Seminar on “Human Rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir” in Karachi on Saturday, November 16, 2019. President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi graced was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Famous British politicians, human rights activists, international law experts and scholars expressed their concern at the deteriorating human rights conditions in the Indian occupied Kashmir.
President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi said that the Indian actions since August 5, 2019, introduction of additional military forces and the imposition of long lockdown have resulted in biggest humanitarian crisis on modern times. The risk of escalation could lead to much greater humanitarian crisis than ever before.
He further said that the recent actions of Indian government are aimed to change the demographic composition of occupied Kashmir. He highlighted that actions of Indian government are not only against Kashmiris but also against other minorities in India, Dr. Alvi highlighting our national resolute to Kashmir said that Pakistan is committed to the Kashmir cause morally, ethically, and diplomatically. He lamented that UN has become an institution of vested interests and wasted opportunities where humanity and human rights violation are ignored for the sake of the interests of big powers. Considering the inability of UN, we should convince the world through effective media projection of Kashmiri’s plight and for that it is essential for international media to get access to the real picture of the occupied Kashmir.
Famous British politician George Galloway said that Kashmir is under illegal occupation of Indian forces and its tyranny against the Muslims of Kashmir is due to its own fear of Kashmiri freedom struggle and vigor for independence from Indian occupation. He said that the people of Kashmir have the right to resist the occupation in not only a peaceful manner but also use arms their they consider necessary. He further said that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue but multilateral as it involves Kashmiri people along with Pakistan and India. He insisted that world has the duty to play its role for the resolution of Kashmir conflict as it involves two nuclear powers, who are party to it. He warned that eruption of any war between India and Pakistan could lead to catastrophic consequences for the global peace.
British Lord Duncan McNair, Member Executive Committee of the Council for Human Rights and Religious Freedom, seasoned British political leader George Galloway, Mr. David Ward, Amnesty International member Barrister Rashid Ahmed Member, Marcus C Thomlinson and international peace activist Mr. Raja Sharaz Akhtar condemned Indian atrocities and human rights violations and strongly supported the Kashmiri struggle against Indian occupation.
Federal Minister of State for SAFRON and Narcotics Shehryar Khan Afridi stressed the need for a comprehensive and unified response at national and international level for the protection of human rights in Kashmir. He also said that Pakistan has been unfairly presented by the international media for many years and our sacrifices and unparalleled support for humanitarian causes have been neglected. Pakistan opened its arms to those who became victims of Hindu extremism in 1947 and opened its borders to its Afghan brothers once their country was invaded.
Ambassador Najum uddin Sheikh, former Secretary Foreign Affairs was of the view that states are currently more focused on economic benefits and least bothered about their moral duties. He highlighted that there is dichotomy of words and actions of international community in relations to Kashmir issue. He cited that Germany showed concerns on human rights violations but concluded various economic agreements for the sake of their economic benefits. Chairman Center for Peace, Security and Development Studies (CPSD) warned that the Kashmir crisis presents a grave danger to not only regional security but also global peace and prosperity and the international community must help deescalate this crisis, force India to reduce forces and hold plebiscite in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Syed Muhammad Ali Executive Director CPSD presented the report of the proceedings of the day. He said that Kashmiris hav shown great determination, Pakistan has shown strong support while today’s international seminar shows the world community is listening to Pakistan and Kashmiris and standing by them. Kashmir represents the test of the changing world order that how the status quo and anti status quo powers are going to fulfill their moral responsibilities or continue to pursue short term material interests that have led to the deadliest century in human history. We must collectively build a world that is safer and more secure for our future generations including Kashmiris and learn from the mistakes of our past generations. The participants included various prominent dignitaries from the diplomatic community, human rights activists, government officials, intellectuals, researchers, youth and students.
Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi Secretary General Foreign Relations Section of the CPSD, in his welcome address said that Kashmir is an important issue that affects the peace, prosperity and progress of over 1.5 billion people of this critical region.