​​​​​Freedom                             Democracy                        Equality

THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE’S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP) HELD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMON UNITED KINGDOM. TITLED: "KASHMIR CONFLICT: REUNIFICATION OF THE HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION." THE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE HONORABLE RICHARD BURGON, A DISTINGUISHED LABOUR PARTY POLITICIAN AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEEDS EAST. DRAFT RESOLUTIONS THE UKPNP INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT ON 26TH NOVEMBER 2024. RESOLUTION 1: REUNIFICATION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR FOR REGIONAL PEACE. THE CONFERENCE EMPHASIZES THE URGENT NEED FOR THE REUNIFICATION OF THE ERSTWHILE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AS A CRITICAL STEP TOWARD ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND STABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA. REUNIFICATION IS SEEN AS ESSENTIAL FOR FOSTERING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, REDUCING HOSTILITIES, AND PROMOTING CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN. THE RESTORATION OF THE REGION’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY IS URGED AS A CATALYST FOR LONG-TERM PEACEBUILDING AND REGIONAL COOPERATION. RESOLUTION 2: GUARANTEEING FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS IN PAKISTANI-ADMINISTERED AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR. THE CONFERENCE CALLS UPON THE GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN AND AUTHORITIES IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, ASSEMBLY, AND SPEECH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS. IT EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER INCREASING RESTRICTIONS ON PEACEFUL PUBLIC GATHERINGS, THE ENACTMENT OF REPRESSIVE LAWS, AND OTHER MEASURES THAT UNDERMINE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE. THESE RESTRICTIONS MUST BE REPEALED IMMEDIATELY TO RESTORE A DEMOCRATIC AND JUST SOCIETY. PAKISTAN IS FURTHER URGED TO WITHDRAW ITS EXTERNAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION FROM THE REGION, INCLUDING LENT OFFICERS, TO ENHANCE LOCAL AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE. RESOLUTION 3: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE ASSEMBLY’S RESOLUTION ON SPECIAL STATUS THIS CONFERENCE ACKNOWLEDGES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECENT RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE ASSEMBLY, ADVOCATING FOR THE RESTORATION OF SPECIAL STATUS AND STATEHOOD. IT RECALLS INDIA’S ENTRY INTO THE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR UNDER THE TREATY OF ACCESSION IN 1947, WHICH PLACES THE RESPONSIBILITY ON INDIA TO ENSURE THE UNIFICATION OF THE REGION AND THE PROTECTION OF KASHMIRI LIVES, LIBERTIES, AND PROPERTIES. THE CONFERENCE CALLS UPON INDIA TO HONOR ITS COMMITMENTS AND PLEDGES MADE TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. THE RESTORATION OF STATEHOOD, INCLUDING THAT OF LADAKH, AND THE REINSTATEMENT OF SPECIAL STATUS ARE DEEMED VITAL FOR ADDRESSING THE GRIEVANCES AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE KASHMIRI PEOPLE WHILE ENSURING JUSTICE, PEACE, AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES. RESOLUTION 4: ENSURING EQUAL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR THE CONFERENCE EXPRESSES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER THE EXCLUSION OF PRO-KASHMIR POLITICAL PARTIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP), FROM REGISTERING WITH THE ELECTION COMMISSION IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR. IT STRONGLY CONDEMNS COERCIVE MEASURES THAT FORCE POLITICAL PARTIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO PAKISTAN, UNDERMINING DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS. THE CONFERENCE CALLS UPON PAKISTAN TO REPEAL ALL DISCRIMINATORY LAWS THAT OBSTRUCT THE REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION OF PEACEFUL DEMOCRATIC PARTIES. IT URGES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRANSPARENT AND INCLUSIVE ELECTORAL PROCESS THAT ALLOWS ALL POLITICAL ENTITIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO PARTICIPATE FREELY, WITHOUT PRE-SCREENING OR COERCION, THEREBY ENSURING POLITICAL PLURALISM AND DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY. RESOLUTION 5: ADDRESSING PROXY WARS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR THE CONFERENCE CONDEMNS THE USE OF PROXY WARS AND PROXY POLITICS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR WHICH HAS ADDED TO THE SUFFERINGS OF ITS PEOPLE. THE CONFERENCE FURTHER URGES PAKISTAN AND INDIA TO STOP INDULGING IN THIS INSANE PHENOMENON OF PROXY WAR WHICH HAS WREAKED HAVOC WITH THE LIVES OF KASHMIRIS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BORDERS BESIDE CREATING A SPECTER OF A TERRIBLE CONFLICT THAT MIGHT ESCALATE INTO A NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST GIVEN THE DOMINANCE OF WAR MONGERS IN THE POLITICS OF THE TWO SOUTH ASIAN NUCLEAR STATES. IT ALSO ASKS ISLAMABAD TO END ITS POLITICAL INTERFERENCE THAT HAS PREVENTED SECULAR AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES FROM FREELY PARTICIPATING IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS OF THE REGION. IT CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE DISMANTLING OF TERRORIST INFRASTRUCTURE IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND THE CESSATION OF OPERATIONS BY BANNED OUTFITS IN THE REGION. THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CONFERENCE BELIEVE THAT THE PROTECTION OF LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PROPERTY IS THE FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL STATES AND THEY MUST PERFORM THIS DUTY. WIDESPREAD HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE PERPETRATED BY EXTREMIST GROUPS AND EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE BY SECURITY AGENCIES, MUST END IMMEDIATELY. THIS CONFERENCE URGES INDIA AND PAKISTAN TO PRIORITIZE THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADHERE TO INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS BESIDES ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS IN ORDER TO PROMOTE PEACE AND JUSTICE IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR. RESOLUTION 6: CALL FOR IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF POLITICAL DETAINEES IN AZAD KASHMIR THIS CONFERENCE UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNS THE ARREST AND DETENTION OF PEACEFUL POLITICAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IN AZAD KASHMIR. WE DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALI SHAMRAIZ, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED KASHMIR NATIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION (UKNSO), RASHAD AHMED, AND ALL OTHER POLITICAL DETAINEES. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT PAKISTAN UPHOLDS FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND FULFILLS ITS INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. THE ONGOING SUPPRESSION OF POLITICAL VOICES UNDERMINES THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY. THIS CONFERENCE STANDS FIRMLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE WHO PEACEFULLY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. MUZAFFARABAD –THE HISTORIC 3RD CONTRAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED KASHMIR NATIONAL STUDENTS ORGANIZATION (UKNSO) HELD IN MUZAFFARABAD CENTRAL ON 22 OCTOBER 2024 OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE STUDENT WING OF THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP) ELECTED. UKNSO AND UKPNP COMMEMORATED OCTOBER 22 AS "BLACK DAY" – OBSERVED THE 22 OCTOBER 1947 TRIBAL INVASION BY PAKISTAN, WHICH ATTACKED THE SOVEREIGNTY OF FORMER PRINCELY STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, SOWED THE SEEDS OF FORCED DIVISION AND MASS KILLINGS AND OCCUPATION. A MASSIVE RALLY WITH NEWLY ELECTED UKNSO LEADERSHIP, STUDENTS, AND UKPNP CENTRAL LEADERS FILLED MUZAFFARABAD’S STREETS WITH SLOGANS AGAINST THE INVASION AND FORCED DIVISION OF HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU KASHMIR AND DEMANDING FREEDOM. PROTESTERS WERE CHANTTING SLOGANS INCLUDED: HUM NAHI MAANTE ZULM KE YEH ZAABTEY HUM KYA CHAHTEY? AZAADI! SHAUKAT KASHMIRI QADAM BARHAO HUM TUMHARE SAATH HAIN JABRI NATEY TOD DO, KASHMIR HUMARA CHHOR DO AAR PAAR JOD DO, KASHMIR HUMARA CHHOR DO DARYA HUMARE, QABZA TUMARA , NA MANZOOR. NA MANZOOR. MULK HUMARA , QABZA TUMARA, NA MANZOOR.NA MANZOOR. WASAIL HUMARE QABZA TUMHARA , NA MANZOOR, NA MANZOOR. DAM HUMARE , QABZA TUMRARA , NA MANZOOR , NA MANZOOR. NEWLY ELECTED LEADERSHIP OF UKNSO AS FELLOW ALI SHAMRAIZ - PRESIDENT-- BILAL SAGHIR - GENERAL SECRETARY, HUMA KHAN - SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MAAZ KHAN - VICE PRESIDENT, RAJA HASHIR KHAN - VICE PRESIDENT, HAMMAD FAROOQ - DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, IZZAH KAZMI - ADDITIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL, DANIYAL ISHTIAQ - JOINT SECRETARY, RAJA USMAN - FINANCE SECRETARY, MUBASSIR KASHMIRI - PUBLICITY SECRETARY, SAAD RAJPUT - CHIEF ORGANIZER, KASHIR JAZBI - DEPUTY ORGANIZER, OATH ADMINISTERED BY SENIOR VICE CHAIRPERSON OF UKPNP, MADAM SARDAR TANIA. SARDAR SHAUKAT ALI KASHMIRI CHAIRMAN UKPNP , CENTRAL COBINET , ZONAL AND OVERSEAS LEADERS AND MEMBERS CONGRATULATED TO NEWLY ELECTED OFFICE BEARERS OF UKNSO. HISTORIC 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP) HELD IN KOTLI ON AUGUST 24/25 , 2024. CENTRAL CABINET OF UKPNP IS ELECTED.THE NEWLY ELECTED CENTRAL CABINET INCLUDES SARDAR SHAUKAT ALI KASHMIRI AS CENTRAL CHAIRMAN; MADAM TANIA GUL SENIOR VICE CHAIRPERSON; AFRAIZ SHAHEEN VICE CHAIRMAN; SARDAR ISHTIAQ AHMED KHAN SECRETARY GENERAL; RAJA MUHAMMAD AZAM DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL; ISHTIAQ AHMED MIR CHIEF ORGANIZER; MAHBOOB BHATTI JOINT SECRETARY; SYEDA NIGHAT GARDEZI SECRETARY WOMEN'S AFFAIRS; SARDAR NASIR AZIZ KHAN CENTRAL SPOKESPERSON; JAMIL MAQSOOD PRESIDENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; FARIA ATIQUE SECRETARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; RAJA ZAHID GULZAR SECRETARY FINANCE BOARD; SARDAR TIKKA KHAN TAHIR SECRETARY PUBLICITY BOARD; SYED MUSHARRAF GILANI SECRETARY YOUTH AFFAIRS; SARDAR RASHID HUSSAIN SECRETARY LABOR AFFAIRS; ALONG WITH OTHERS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES WERE ELECTED. DURING THIS HISTORICAL CONVENTION A NEW CENTRAL CABINET WAS ELECTED, DEMONSTRATING THE PARTY'S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF UNITY, PEACE, AND THE LIBERATION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. THE CONVENTION WAS ATTENDED BY CENTRAL LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF UKPNP'S CENTRAL, ZONAL, REGIONAL, AND OVERSEAS BRANCHES WITH GREATEST ENTHUSIASM AND COMMITMENTS. PARTICIPANTS ARRIVED IN LARGE NUMBERS FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN, FORMING A LARGE RALLY THAT MARCHED THROUGH KOTLI CITY BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CONVENTION VENUE. THE CITY AND VENUE ECHOED WITH PASSIONATE AND REVOLUTIONARY SLOGANS SUCH AS "WE WANT FREEDOM!" "FREEDOM IS OUR RIGHT!"END FORCED DIVISION" LEAVE OUR KASHMIR!"QUIT OUR COUNTRY,OCCUPATION IS UNACCEPTABLE!" "OUR RESOURCES,YOUR CONTROL IS UNACCEPTABLE!" UKPNP: LONG LIVE UKPNP:> RESOLUTIONS PASSED UKPNP 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION: THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP), A SECULAR AND DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL ORGANIZATION, IS DEDICATED TO THE PEACEFUL PURSUIT OF CIVIL SOCIETY, POLITICAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC, AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INCLUDING AZAD KASHMIR, GILGIT BALTISTAN, AND THE DIASPORA KASHMIRIS. THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED AT THE 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION: AFFIRMATION OF POLITICAL UNITY:> THE ERSTWHILE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR INCLUDING PARTS ARE RECOGNIZED AS ONE POLITICAL ENTITY. ITS UNIFICATION, STABILITY, PROSPERITY, AND SOVEREIGNTY ARE OUR ULTIMATE GOALS. STATUS OF AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN:> AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN ARE DECLARED LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL PARTS OF THE FORMER STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST UNILATERALLY ALTERING THE STATUS OF THESE REGIONS, AS SUCH ACTIONS COULD SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISPUTE AND PROVE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. JAMMU KASHMIR STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927:> EMPHASIZE THAT THE JAMMU KASHMIR STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927, WHICH PROVIDES IDENTITY AND SPECIAL STATUS TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE FORMER PRINCELY STATE, MUST NOT BE VIOLATED OR TAMPERED WITH IN ANY FORM. FORMATION OF A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY:> DEMAND THE FORMATION OF A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN TO EMPOWER LOCAL PEOPLE UNTIL THE KASHMIR CONFLICT, ONE OF THE OLDEST CONFLICTS ON THE UN AGENDA, IS RESOLVED. RIGHT TO LIFE AND HUMAN RIGHTS:> ASSERT THAT THE RIGHT TO LIFE IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT, WHICH IS VIOLATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LINE OF CONTROL IN THE DIVIDED STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. WE URGE RESTRAINT FROM THOSE WIELDING WEAPONS, AS VIOLENCE ONLY ADDS TO THE MISERY AND SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION, EXTREMISM, AND VIOLENCE SINCE 1947. THIS FORCED DIVISION AND SUFFERING MUST END, ALLOWING PEOPLE TO ENJOY THEIR FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND RIGHT TO LIFE. EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL:> EXPRESS STRONG RESOLVE THAT HUMAN RIGHTS MUST NOT BE SELECTIVE. EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND JUSTICE MUST BE GUARANTEED FOR ALL CITIZENS. INTERESTS OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES:> ACKNOWLEDGE THAT INDIA AND PAKISTAN HAVE INTERESTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, BUT OUR INTERESTS MUST BE PARAMOUNT, AS WE ARE THE PRINCIPAL PARTY TO THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISPUTE. CONDEMNATION OF LAND GRABBING:> STRONGLY CONDEMN THE GROWING ‘LAND GRABBING’ IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR BY STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS, AS WELL AS OTHER INFLUENTIAL INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ILLEGALLY AND FORCEFULLY SEIZING PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PROPERTY, HILLTOPS, AND TOURIST RESORTS. NATURAL RESOURCE EXPLOITATION:> CRITICIZE THE SYSTEMATIC PLUNDERING OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF MEGA DAMS THAT DIVERT THE NATURAL FLOW OF RIVERS IN THIS DISPUTED TERRITORY. THESE ACTIONS CAUSE SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE, INCLUDING ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER. URGE AN END TO THE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEMAND OWNERSHIP OF WATER, OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES, AND THE DAMS ALREADY BUILT WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE. STOP PROMOTION OF EXTREMISM AND VIOLENCE:> RECOMMEND THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL THE ACTIVITIES OF THOSE WHO PROMOTE EXTREMISM, VIOLENCE, AND INTOLERANCE IN AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT:> EMPHASIZE THAT FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT. ALL CITIZENS OF THE FORMER PRINCELY STATE OF JAMMU KASHMIR WHO HOLD STATE SUBJECT CERTIFICATES SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO FREELY MOVE WITHIN BORDERS TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER. GOVERNMENTS SHOULD ISSUE SPECIAL ELECTRONIC CARDS TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WITHIN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, ENABLING FORCIBLY DIVIDED FAMILIES TO MEET AND INTERACT. RESPECT FOR THE STATE SUBJECT NOTIFICATION OF 1927:> URGE THE GOVERNMENTS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA TO RESPECT THE STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927, WHICH GRANTS A SPECIAL STATUS TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. STOP SETTLING PEOPLE IN DISPUTED TERRITORIES TO CHANGE THE DEMOGRAPHY OF THE AREA. CONCERNS ABOUT RELIGION AND VIOLENCE:> EXPRESS DEEP CONCERN ABOUT THE POLICY OF USING RELIGION AS A WEAPON AND VIOLENCE AS A TOOL TO ADVANCE POLITICAL AND STRATEGIC AGENDAS, SUPPRESSING DEMOCRATIC AND PROGRESSIVE VOICES. ABOLITION OF DISCRIMINATORY LAWS:> DEMAND THE ABOLITION OF DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AND ACTS THAT PREVENT PRO-INDEPENDENCE PARTIES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS FROM PARTICIPATING IN ELECTIONS. NATIONALISTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE WITCH-HUNTING OF PRO-INDEPENDENCE KASHMIRIS, RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, AND JOURNALISTS MUST BE STOPPED. IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS:> HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS TO BUILD BRIDGES OF CONFIDENCE AND HELP RESOLVE DISPUTES. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO OPEN ALL TRADITIONAL ROUTES OF THE FORCIBLY DIVIDED STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR SO THAT PEOPLE CAN INTERACT, ERADICATE MISUNDERSTANDINGS, DIFFERENCES, AND HATRED. SOUTH ASIA’S ROLE IN GLOBAL POLITICS:> UNDERSTAND THAT SOUTH ASIA HAS A TURBULENT HISTORY WHERE THE INTERESTS OF MANY COUNTRIES CLASH WITH THOSE OF THE REGION. WE MUST ENSURE THAT JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND SOUTH ASIA DO NOT BECOME BATTLEGROUNDS FOR A ‘NEW COLD WAR’ OR A ‘NEW GREAT GAME’. WE MUST LIVE TOGETHER IN SOUTH ASIA, FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY, AND WORK TOGETHER TO COUNTER THREATS OF TERRORISM, VIOLENCE, AND XENOPHOBIA. PROTECTION OF KASHMIRIS IN PAKISTAN:> EXPRESS SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT THE KILLINGS OF KASHMIRIS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF PAKISTAN. RECENT MONTHS HAVE SEEN SEVERAL KASHMIRIS RESIDING IN PAKISTAN KILLED, WITH NO CULPRITS ARRESTED OR PUNISHED. WE URGE PAKISTAN TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE LIVES, PROPERTY, AND LIBERTIES OF KASHMIRIS WITHIN ITS BORDERS AND UNDER ITS ADMINISTRATION. WE ALSO CALL FOR ADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND THE FACILITATION OF THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT:> DEMAND THE LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON PEACEFUL ADVOCATES FOR BASIC POLITICAL AND SOCIAL RIGHTS IN GILGIT BALTISTAN, WHO FACE STRICT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. THE UKPNP DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE LIFTING OF THE BAN ON STUDENT UNIONS, SO THAT EDUCATED, TALENTED, AND CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP CAN EMERGE. THE UKPNP IS DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ONGOING WARS AND THEIR DESTRUCTION AROUND THE WORLD. WARS ARE NOT A SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS; INSTEAD, THEY LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HUMANS AND THE BANKRUPTCY OF ECONOMIES. THE UKPNP CALLS FOR MEANINGFUL AND IMMEDIATE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF ONGOING WARS IN PALESTINE, UKRAINE, AND OTHER COUNTRIES AND REGIONS, AND FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE. THE UKPNP STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE POLICIES AND ACTIONS OF GLOBAL WAR CAPITAL, WHICH ARE NOT ONLY KEEPING OLD CONFLICTS ALIVE BUT ALSO CREATING NEW ONES TO SELL THEIR WEAPONS, LEADING TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HUMANS AND COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE. ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SINCE 1947, THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION, EXTREMISM, AND VIOLENCE. THIS FORCED DIVISION AND SUFFERING SHOULD END SO THAT PEOPLE CAN ENJOY THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT TO LIFE. RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION:> EMPHASIZE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION, AS ENSHRINED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLOWING THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR TO FREELY DETERMINE THEIR FUTURE STATUS. RESOLUTION OF THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR CONFLICT:> THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR CONFLICT IS NOT A TERRITORIAL DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN; HENCE, IT CANNOT BE RESOLVED BILATERALLY. THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, AS THE PRINCIPAL PARTY TO THE DISPUTE, MUST HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON THE FUTURE OF THEIR MOTHERLAND. UKPNP URGES THAT JAMMU KASHMIR CONFLICT SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS AND AS PER THE WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE NATIVES OF THE ERSTWHILE PRINCELY STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR.

​​​​​​​United Kashmir People's National Party(UKPNP)​

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri is addressing the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC)on 27th September 2022 at Geneva.

 United Nation Human Rights Council 36th Session September 2017 at Geneva

Exiled Chairman UKPNP Sardar Shaukat ali Kashmiri along with UKPNP Spokesman Nasir Aziz Khan, Baloch-Sindhi nationalists met with UN's Working Group on Enforced Disappearance WGEID on 20th June 2016 in Geneva Switzerland.

Reports submitted by organization in UNHRC 51st session

6455_A_HRC_51_NGO_Sub_En.pdf


 6454_A_HRC_51_NGO_Sub_En-2 (1).pdf

       2.




United Nations Human Rights Council 34th Session 15th March 2017

Item 4: General Debate:  Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

NGO:  (AIPD)     Intervention by: Jamil Maqsood


Thank you Mr. Chairman,

Our organization is deeply concerned about  state of human rights and security situation   in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. People of Pakistani administered Kashmir still live in a pathetic condition and don’t have any freedom to exercise their fundamental rights. 
Exploitation of natural resources in Gilgit-Baltistan and so-called Azad Kashmir has deprived the natives of the region from their own natural wealth. Pakistan is plundering natural resources of both regions without the consultation of local population. Islamabad is constructing mega dames, through proposed China Pakistan Economic Corridor project which runs across our region before it enters Pakistan. Mega projects in a disputed territory of erstwhile state are a sheer violation of international laws and UNCIP resolutions on Kashmir. The sexual exploitation of the young girls of Pakistani Administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has created massive anxiety in the local population which need urgent heed of this council. Civil society activists and nationalist political workers and their families are constantly under harassment by the state agents and members of the banned outfits like Lashker-e-Tayyaba. The region is continuously governed by undemocratic institutions like Ministry of Kashmir affairs and Kashmir council and lent officers. 

Mr. Chairman,
Recently nationalist leaders have been arrested in Gilgit Baltistan who were peacefully protesting for the restoration of fundamental human rights and were demanding ownership o their natural resources.  Baba Jan, Iftikhar Hussain and other political activists, who were charged under anti terrorist act (ATA) are facing 40 years life imprisonment.
Kashmir history books have been banned under so called national action plan in Pakistani administered Kashmir and right of assembly and association has  barred in Pakistani peripheries. We urge upon the   HRC to take   serious note against these   and other serious human rights violations and to put pressure on Pakistan for immediate release  all political prisoners and guarantee freedom of expression and thoughts under its administered parts of Kashmir.

Mr. Chairman,

In 1960’s Pakistan constructed Mangla Dam in Mirpur Pakistani Administered Kashmir. Pakistan had agreed to provide free electricity to natives and pay royalty for the use of the water and electricity generated by the dam. But this commitment never fulfilled. Kashmiri are denied of royalty   because Islamabad says Kashmir   is not a province of Pakistan, and royalty is only paid to provinces. Out of 1300 Mega watts locally produced only 330 Megawatts aren’t provided for the local consumption... But the region has been enormously facing electricity shortage routinely. Hence I on behalf of my NGO and my native countrymen request the UN commission to take note of this unfortunate situation and flagrant human rights abuses by Islamabad and its local cronies.

I thank you Mr. Chairman

Asif Abbas is addressing the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) on 27th September 2022 at Geneva.

51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council

(12 September 2022 – 07 October 2022)

Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including right to development.

General Debate- Item 3

Intervention by Sajid Hussain


Honourable President,

Our organization is deeply concerned with violations of human rights in Azad Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan. These areas are historical parts of Jammu & Kashmir which came into being on 16th March 1846 under the treaty of Amritsar. Pakistan violated the standstill agreement and invaded the State of Jammu and Kashmir on 22nd October 1947. There is no freedom of expression & association, peaceful assembly, economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights including the right to development in the Azad Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan. The Federal Government is controlling the whole system in Islamabad through its lent officers, where people have no basic human and fundamental rights and even they have no control over their own resources. The electoral repressive colonial laws are undemocratic and unjustified. Pakistani Political Parties and Ban outfits can register their organizations in Azad Kashmir & but nationalists are not allowed to participate in the election or register their political organizations. The pro-independence political leaders of Azad Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan have either been killed or have languished in jail or living in forced infinite exile. In Azad Kashmir local culture, traditions and languages Pahari, Gojri, and Kashmir are endangered. In Gilgit-Baltistan, local culture, traditions, Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Wakhi, Khowar and Domaki and other local languages are endangered. These languages are not being systematically passed on in the education system, especially in schools as well as not taught in colleges. There is no separate counting column in the Population Census for these languages. Pakistan Army has forcefully captured Gojra Fort, Saryan Top, followed by Sri Kot, and now Peer Chinasi. She has violated Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of human rights. Pakistan should respect the Truce Agreement under the UN Security Council Resolution of 13 August 1948 in which she agreed to withdraw its troops from that State. The planned Tourism Development Authority structure and the 15th or 16th amendment in AJK Act 1974 in Jammu and Kashmir governed by Pakistan are unacceptable. Our organization pleaded with the HRC and the international world to recognize and address the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan-administrated Jammu Kashmir. Therefore Our Organisation urges HRC to send a fact-finding mission to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, and request that Pakistan respect human rights and guarantee basic freedoms including freedom of speech and peaceful association and assembly, and freedom of movement including the right to life and right to development.

I thank you, honourable President

United Nations Human Rights Council 36th Session September- 2017


Item Agenda 4 General, Human Rights Situationthatrequire Council Attention.
                           NGO (AIPD) - Intervention by Jamil Maqsood
 

 Thank you, Mr. President.
 

Our Organization is deeply concerned about systematic abuse of human rights in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit- Baltistan. People in both peripheries are living in constant state of uncertainty and deprivation. The state of freedom of expression and assembly has been limited. The extension of cybercrime laws into both regions have curtailed freedom of information and rights to free speech. The trade unions activities have also been controlled by introducing various legal instruments on behalf of Government of Pakistan. The press is not allowed to publish the reports concerning local development, corruption and liking and disliking and recruitment of local employees in various institutions.  Those who speak for the merit, justice, and development are constantly harassed and intimidated by the secret agencies of Pakistan and local police. Even former Prime Minister of Pakistan isn’t safe from the intimidation of secret agencies of his country.

Mr. President:  Our organization is constantly speaking for the right to development of Pakistani peripheries but no change has occurred yet. It is the responsibility of this council to monitor Human rights situation, freedom of expression, belief and opinion in Pakistan and its administered Kashmir regions. It is sad to inform you that in recent years’ thousands of progressive and secular political workers have been abducted by the secret agencies in various parts of Pakistan. Mr. Punhal Sario who was working on disappeared Sindhi political workers have gone missing since two months and no one knows about his whereabouts.  The religious minorities are continuously hunted by Blasphemy laws countrywide.

Mr. President:  Eights years old Saad Haroon was abducted three years back from Rawalpindi Pakistan. The police have arrested abductor and later he managed to escape from the police custody. It shows an overall failure of the law enforcement agencies dealing such criminal cases.  Another dreadful incident happened yesterday near Muzaffarabad where the personnel of Pakistani military has tortured local youth and their pictures and video of torture have been widely circulated on social media.  There is no redress against such gruesome violation of human rights.  The banned outfits like LeT and others are openly working by changing their names. In the recent election in Lahore known Terrorist Hafiz Saeed has launched Milli Muslim League (MML) that contested elections is exposing Pakistan’s deep statecraft of none cooperation with the world community to alter such activities of these groups. The training camps are still intact in our region and Pakistan didn’t refrain to its so-called security doctrine with regard to Indian administered Kashmir.
Mr. President.  We urge you to take an urgent cognizance of human rights violations in Pakistan and its administered Kashmir and use your influence for the recovery ofPanhal Sario, Saad Haroon and release of Baba Jan and his colleagues.
I thank you.
 

United Nations Human Rights Council 35th session June -2017

Item 4- General Debate. Human Rights Situation that required  Council Attention.

NGO:  (AIPD)      Intervention by Jamil Maqsood

Thank you Mr. President,

We are sadly concerned about deteriorating human rights situation in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit- Baltistan. People of both regions living in the regrettable situation since long. They do not have the freedom to exercise their fundamental rights. Exploitation of natural resources in both peripheries of Pakistan is at its highest level. Both regions have systematically deprived of their natural resources including the right to development by the exploration of these resources.

Mr. President,

China Pakistan Economic Corridor has paved the way for biggest source of exploitation of our natural resources and it has created drastic environmental effects on the region. Simultaneously it has jeopardized natural habitat of wildlife and huge population. This project is a sheer violation of the international laws as well as United Nations resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir.

Mr. President,  In recent months, Pakistan has introduced draconian laws to press freedom of expression and freedom of thoughts to curtail its minorities and other ethnic groups under so-called security doctrine. Pakistan protection Ordinance (POPA) was termed by the ICJ as repressive and hastily drafted. That act was immediately come into effect in Pakistani peripheries and nationalists and progressive political workers have become its victim. Political leaders in Gilgit- Baltistan has been victimized under  Anti- Terror Laws and establishment of military courts as the parallel judicial system has further demonized fundamental freedoms of the people in Pakistan and Pakistani Administered parts of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Mr. President, The cybercrime act has inflicted damage to the civil society activists and human rights defenders. This act has barred human rights defenders to criticize undemocratic legislation of the state. Practically the state of Pakistan has become a hell for the progressive people, human rights defenders and journalists. Especially in the absence of indigenous media, the world community is very blind about human rights violations in these regions. The local culture and languages are on the verge of destruction by the oppressive regimes of Pakistan.

Mr. President, we urge you to take an urgent heed to these developments taking place in Pakistan so that the life of hundred thousand political workers, civil society and human rights defenders could be saved from Pakistan security apparatus,.

I thankyou Mr. President.

​United Nations Human Rights Council 34th  Session 15th  March 2017  
Human Rights Situations that Requires the Council’s Attention.

General Debate: Item-4                 NGO: CIRAC

Intervention by Nasir Aziz Khan

Honourable Chairman

I am privileged to share with the world community the concerns regarding human rights violation in Pakistani administrated Kashmir and Gilgit Balistan. The people of these areas are living in a pathetic condition  where life itself is a burden and Azadi  or (freedom) is a long standing desire.

So called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are  part of the erstwhile Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947. For the last 70 years, the Government has not only neglected this area’s development, it has systematically indulged in politically repressing the people. Though so called Azad Kashmir is supposed to be a self-governing state, it really has remained a colony of Islamabad, with central government taking all decisions.

Honourable Chairman
Human Rights Watch reported that the Government represses democratic freedoms, muzzles the press and practices routine torture. Tight controls on freedom of expression have been a hallmark of Government policy in the area. Islamabad has prevented the creation of independent media in the territory through bureaucratic restrictions and coercion. Under the interim constitution of ‘Azad Kashmir’, which enforced in 1974, aspiring candidates are “pre-screened” to ensure that only those who support Kashmir’s annexation with Pakistan can contest elections.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has reported that hundreds of young political workers and rights activists are behind bars under Anti-Terrorist Act, which was enacted primarily to eliminate dangerous terrorist activities.  Any voice for Rights in Gilgit-Baltistan is suppressed by law enforcement agencies.

We urge upon HRC to take serious note on Pakistan’s human rights situation and put pressure on government to repeal all discriminatory clauses from constitution ,  stop victimization of political opponents and  protect the life and liberty of people under its administration.

I thank you Mr.Chairman

         United Nations Human Rights Council 33rd Session

                        19 September 2016 at Geneva

Item 4: Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention 

Intervention by:Jamil MAQSOOD    NGO AIPD-GL

Item 4 General Debate 

The area of Pakistan Administered Kashmir (referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir’ by Pakistan) and Gilgit Baltistan all parts of the erstwhile principality of Jammu and Kashmir has been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947. For the last 70 years, the Government of Pakistan has not only neglected this area’s development, it has systematically indulged in politically repressing the people. Though Pakistan Administered Kashmir is supposed to be a self-governing state, it really has remained a colony of Pakistan, with Pakistan’s central government taking all decisions. 

Over the years, apart from a total lack of development and basic political rights, the people of Pakistan Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan have suffered from human rights abuses, largely carried out by the Pakistani army and other security agencies. The voices of the Kashmiri people to free themselves from Pakistani rule have resulted in the state taking repressive action. This has resulted in regular instances of human rights abuses including forced disappearances, torture to political repression and electoral rigging and suppression of freedom of speech. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the country’s intelligence agency, the ISI carries out extensive surveillance operations on the press and pro-independence groups, they have carried out arbitrary arrests in which people have been tortured and several have died. 

Further, the Pakistan army has used the area of Pakistan Administered Kashmir for the training purposes in areas bordering Indian Kashmir, to launch terror attacks or jihad against India.  According to the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) persons are arrested and disappeared if they refuse to join or try to leave the forces engaged in “jihad” inside Jammu & Kashmir in India or fail to provide information to the intelligence agencies about the movements of people across the International Border/Line of Control.  A significant number of cases point to the ISI’s involvement in these disappearances.  

The local population of Pakistan Administered Kashmir does not enjoy fundamental social and political rights. As brought out by Human Rights Watch, the Pakistani Government represses democratic freedoms, muzzles the press, banned books and practices routine torture. Tight controls on freedom of expression have been a hallmark of Government policy in the area. Pakistan has prevented the creation of independent media in the territory through bureaucratic restrictions and coercion. Under the interim constitution of ‘Azad Kashmir’, which Pakistan enforced in 1974, aspiring candidates are “pre-screened” to ensure that only those who support Kashmir’s annexation with Pakistan can contest elections.  Anyone who wants to take part in public life in Pakistan Administered Kashmir has to sign a “Pledge of loyalty to Pakistan”, while anyone who publicly supports or peacefully works for an independent Kashmir faces persecution. The electoral law undermines the basic political rights of Kashmiris’ by barring them from seeking office if they oppose Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. Those who favorindependence invite the ire of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and military, and risk being beaten and jailed.  Numerous political leaders of Kashmir have either been killed or are languishing in jail. In May 2013, Sardar ArifShahid was assassinated, one of the most prominent Kashmiri politicians for opposing the diktat of Pakistan.

Economically, Pakistan has ensured that this region is one of the most under-developed areas of the country, with all resources from this area being taken away for the development of other areas of Pakistan. 

It is time that the International community focuses its attention on the rampant violation of human rights in Pakistan Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.  There is a need to hold Pakistan accountable for not only denying the Kashmiris their political rights but carrying out widespread human rights abuses against them. 

UKPNP Activities during 39th Session of UNHRC at Geneva

3. Sadar September written statement 6487_A_HRC_51_NGO_Sub_En-1.pdf

UKPNP activities in 37th session of UNHRC at Geneva

 United Nations Human Rights Council 31th Session
NGO: African Development Association (ADA) ECOSOC
Intervention by: Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri                                  
Item 4 General Debate

Thank you Honourable Chairman, 
So called Azad Kashmir is a land of strict curbs on political pluralism, freedom of expression, and freedom of association; a muzzled press; banned books; arbitrary arrest and detention and torture at the hands of the Pakistani military and police; and discrimination against refugees from Jammu and Kashmir state. Kashmiri nationalists are singled out for discrimination because they do not support the idea of Kashmir's accession to Pakistan. 
Honourable Chairman,
 Exploitation of natural resources in Gilgit-Baltistan and so-called Azad Kashmir has deprived the natives of the region of their own natural wealth. Pakistan is involved in plundering of natural resources of the region without consulting the local population. Islamabad is constructing mega dams. The proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project will cause environmental damage to air quality, water resources, soil erosion or contamination. Kashmiris are denied royalty because Islamabad says royalty is only paid to provinces and Kashmir is not a province of Pakistan. Mega projects in a disputed territory of Kashmir are a clear violation of international laws and UNCIP resolutions on Kashmir.
Honourable Chairman,
Pakistan's province of Punjab has recently passed the Women's Protection Act despite stiff opposition from conservative clerics, religious and feudal leaders. However, we appreciate it as it gives legal protection to women from domestic, psychological and sexual violence. Forced conversion of Christian and Hindu girls, rape, gang-rape, domestic violence, honour killing (Karo Kari), vani (exchange of women in settling the disputes), and forced/child marriages are some examples of women's rights violations in Pakistan. There is need to do more and abolish all evil practices and discriminations, violence against women and young girls in Pakistan.
We urge upon HRC to put pressure on Pakistan to stop victimization of nationalist leaders of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. All political prisoners including Baba Jan and his colleagues should be released immediately and unconditionally who faced trial under Anti-Terrorist Acts (ATC) and are facing 40 years’ life imprisonment.
I thank you, honourable chairman.

Sardar Nasir Aziz khan Speech in United Nations Human Rights Council's 51st session on 27th September 2022 at Geneva.

​

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri is addressing the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at Geneva. Mr. kashmiri has particularly highlighted the abduction and torture of Abid Hussain from Thorar Poonch POK. Exiled Chairman UKPNP has requested to UNHRC to send fact Finding mission to POJK.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri 
Exiled Chairman UKPNP
addressing United Nations Human Rights Council`s General Assembly 32 Session at Geneva.

Sajid Hussain is addressing the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at Geneva.

Asif Abbas is addressing the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council at Geneva.

Sajid Hussain is addressing the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 21 September 2022 at Geneva.
Sardar Nasir Aziz khan is addressing the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC)on 27th September 2022 at Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council 39th session September-2018

Item 4- General Debate. Human Rights Situation that Require the Council Attention.
NGO: (AIPD) Intervention by Jamil Maqsood.

Mr Chair:
I’ would like to draw your kind attention towards deteriorating state of human rights in Pakistan and Pakistani administered Kashmir regions which are so called Azad Kashmir and Occupied Gilgit- Baltistan. Pakistan as member of this august council and signatory to various international conventions have been failed to introduce meaningful democratic system in its administered parts of erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Mr. Chair: In the age of flow of information the people of these areas under Pakistani control have been deprived to have electronic media. The students have been deprived to have books on Jammu Kashmir history. All the books have been confiscated from the bookshops and one can’t find any credible source even for the research purposes. The media in Pakistan is under pressure by the secret agencies, judiciary is lacking independence.

The counter terrorism operations resulted significant human rights issues included extrajudicial and targeted killings; disappearances; torture; lack of rule of law, and frequent mob violence and vigilante justice with limited accountability. Arbitrary detention; lengthy pretrial detention; a lack of judicial independence in the lower & also at high courts; governmental infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; harassment of journalists, and high-profile attacks against journalists and media organizations. Government restrictions on freedom of assembly, movement, and freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minorities, and sectarian violence continued. Lack of criminal investigations or accountability for cases related to rape, violence based on gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, sexual harassment,

Mr. Chair: The diversion of river Neelam near Muzaffarabad (Pakistani Administered Kashmir), has created drastic environmental effects in the region. Controversial Neelam Jhelm Hydro-Power Project and Diamer Basha Dam need urgent heed from this council. The political leaders in Gilgit- Baltistan are facing Schedule four and terrorist like organizations like LeT & JuD are functioning freely despite Pakistani Government tall claims to combat terrorism and to demolish terror infrastructure in the country.

I’ thank you.

Speech of Exiled UKPNP Chairman ,Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri on the occasion of United Nations Human Rights Council 31th Session on 15 March 2016 in Geneva at UN Web TV
http://webtv.un.org/…/item4-general-debate-3…/4801934246001…

United Nations Human Rights Council`s 39th Session at Geneva
Human Rights Situations that Requires the Council’s Attention.

General Debate: Item-4 ​​​​​​ NGO: CIRAC (ECOSOC)
Intervention by Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri

Our organization would like to draw HRC attention towards grim human rights violations in Pakistan and its held part of Jammu & Kashmir.
Pakistan is violating UN resolutions on Jammu Kashmir and constructing dams in disputed areas of so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Pakistan has diverted Neelum River for Hydropower Project, which is depriving people of Muzaffarabad from their water lifeline. The hundreds thousands of resident of Muzaffarabad facing environmental disaster, there are chances of spreading of diseases because of pollution. Chief Justice of Pakistan recently said that if someone opposes construction of dams would be trial under article 6 of Pakistan, which is related to high treason. Our natural resources are plundered and local people are forced to leave their own land.

Mr Chairperson, Independent judges and lawyers are under threat Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court has expressed his displeasure over interference of secret agencies in the judicial affairs Justice Siddiqui stated that ISI interferes and decide to formed benches of the courts. While hearing the cases of missing persons, the Justice appealed to Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), for "barring his persons from intervention in the matters of other institutions," adding that Army Chief Bajwa should take cognisance of the upsetting situation prevailing in the country.

He further claimed that judges live in danger as the officials of the security agencies are tapping their telephones. Addressing a representative of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) who appeared in the court, Justice Siddiqui said, "Your personnel try to form a court bench of their own wish and the army chief should be aware of the misdeeds committed by them". "Enforced disappearance of citizens, businessmen, and other influential persons has become a routine in the capital city," he added. Justice Siddiqui further ordered that the intervention of secret agencies in the affairs of the judiciary, executives and other departments should be restrained and warned the secret agencies should abide by the law.

Mr. Chairperson, Justice Athar Minullah of Islamabad high court said that he and his family members are under surveillance by secret agencies of Pakistan he and his family members are under threat. I would also like to urge upon this august council to take urgent heed to the violations of state subject rule and land encroachment by the Pakistani military officers and businesspersons in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit- Baltistan to satisfy local population.
We urge upon the Council to take serious note on Pakistan’s human rights situation and send a fact-finding mission to these areas to stop serious human rights violations and protect life of voiceless and marginalized people of so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.