ISLAMABAD: The Senate (Upper House) of Pakistan passed a unanimous resolution on Monday, declaring August 5, 2019, as a ‘Black Day’ while expressing unvacillating support for the innocent people of Kashmir residing on the other side of the line of control under the fascist Indian government rule. The resolution was presented by Senator Kamran Murtaza of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl.
Before passing the resolution, the upper house underscored the abrogation of Articles 35-A and 370 of the Indian Constitution by the radical Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government on August 5, 2019. The move effectively deprived the territory of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy and led to the unjustified division of the state into two Union territories.
The Upper House unanimously rejected India’s actions, termed it illegal and in direct violation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Senate Urges UN to Take Notice of Human Rights Violations in IIOJK
The Senate also expressed its deep concern over the brazen violation of human rights by the Indian government and the increasing human rights violations by Indian military forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These actions were deemed to violate the civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights of the innocent masses of Kashmir.
Recalling the basic principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the Senate highlighted the importance of self-determination for all and sundry. It emphasized the significance of several unimplemented UNSC Resolutions on the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the final resolution of the state’s status should be placed and determined by the will of the people.
Meanwhile, the Senate strongly condemned the unending state-sponsored terrorism and direct crimes against humanity tailored by Indian forces in IIOJK. It acknowledged the efforts of international human rights organizations, the media and the European Parliament, for their unwavering concerns regarding the blatant human rights violations in the IIOJK.
Calling upon the global community to support the freedom struggles by the people of Kashmir, Senate drew parallels to the international support extended to Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian issue.
The upper house also recommended the government of Pakistan to expedite its diplomatic endeavors to spotlight the Kashmir issue at the UNSC. It advised the government to regularly provide updates and issue joint communications to international human rights entities regarding the evolving situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Senate’s unanimous resolution served as a resounding affirmation of Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiris and its commitment to advocating for their rights on the international front.
