GENEVA, Switzerland: Pakistan has condemned the recent local elections in Illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir as a “farcical” exercise lacking legitimacy.
During a session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistani delegate Danyal Hasnain criticized the electoral process, which he described as occurring under heavy military presence and amid the suppression of political parties and leaders. He emphasized that the environment in which these elections are held, characterized by political repression and human rights abuses, undermines their validity.
In response to remarks from Indian delegate Gaurav Thakur, who defended India’s actions in Kashmir, Hasnain called for greater sensitivity towards the suffering of Kashmiris under occupation. He pointed out that claims of unprecedented development in the region are often misleading, as colonial projects typically perpetuate exploitation and inequality.
Hasnain reiterated the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination, as recognized by multiple UN Security Council resolutions and affirmed by the UN Secretary-General. He lamented that for over seventy years, the people of Kashmir have been denied this fundamental right, a violation of international law, particularly Article 25 of the UN Charter.
Pakistan’s position highlights the ongoing conflict in Kashmir and the complexities surrounding human rights and self-determination, reinforcing its commitment to advocating for the Kashmiri people on international platforms.
