Press Information Department (PID) Karachi, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, organized a significant seminar on Tuesday, to mark the revocation of Articles 35A and 370 by the Indian government. This move, which stripped Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) of its special status, was highlighted as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and international law. The seminar featured insights from distinguished speakers including Former Diplomat Ambassador (R) ZaffarullahShaikh, Dr. UzmaShujaat from the University of Karachi, and Senior Journalist MaqsoodYousufi.
The event was attended by University of Karachi students and officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The speakers condemned the Indian government’s actions, emphasizing that the revocation of these constitutional provisions undermines the autonomy and rights of the Kashmiri people, and contravenes established international legal norms. Addressing the seminar, Mrs. ErumTanveer, Director General Public Relations PID Karachi welcomed speakers, participants and said that 5th Aug 2019 was a dark day in the history of human rights when people of IOJK were deprived of their basic right of autonomy and indigenous nation. She termed such revocation as a clear of violation of international law when India imposed its hegemonic design over the people of IOJK and called upon international community as well as all stakeholders to highlight such atrocities and collectively strive for the emancipation of Kashmir. Speaking to the audience, Dr. UzmaShujaat unveiled Indian nefarious design of implementing “Akhand Bharat” plan derived from RSS ideology.
She identified rising Hindu majoritarian fundamentalism that is targeting its minorities especially Muslims. She said that India is no more a secular state rather it has become a Hindu extreme rightist state which is haunting the peace of the region. Moreover, she highlighted Indian non serious attitude to resolve Kashmir issue and called upon international community including United Nations and OIC to play their role in resolving Kashmir issue.
In addition, she urged policy makers to revisit old policies and strategies to meet renewed Indian aspirations. Ambassador (R) ZaffarullahShaikh, while addressing the seminar, highlighted Kashmir issue and confluence of Indian and Britishers in illegal occupation of Kashmir.
He mentioned that Pakistan always wanted to have dialogue and peaceful resolution of Kashmir but Indian Government never showed interest in peaceful resolution of the issue. He termed Kashmir strategically important and praised Armed forces for defending it. He also endorsed that foreign policy needs to be revisited with input from Think tanks, bureaucrats, academia, armed forces and other relevant stakeholders. MaqsoodYousufi, a veteran Journalist, deplored gross human rights violation of India in IOJK and said that occupied Kashmir has become a jail for Kashmiris and they (Kashmiris) are left with nothing but armed resistance.
He also termed Kashmir vital for Pakistan’s survival and called upon UN and OIC to hold India accountable for its atrocities and injustices. Khalid MairajAbassi, Director PID Karachi, thanked speakers and participants for becoming part of the seminar and joining call for holding India accountable for its atrocities in IOJK. As the seminar delved into the conclusion, Guest Speakers were presented with a memento by Ms. ErumTanveer DGPR PID Karachi.
