Senate passes resolution condemning India's illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir

Parliament's upper house expresses appreciation for China, Turkey and Iran’s support on the matter

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution condemning India's illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir.

The resolution, presented by Leader of the House Shibli Faraz, stated that revoking the status of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) is New Delhi’s attempt to change the demography of the occupied region and part of its "racist and fascist agenda".

Senate passes a unanimous resolution condemning the illegal annexation of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by India led by Modi and RSS. #SaveKashmir #KashmirHour pic.twitter.com/BFGeHYng0s

— Senate of Pakistan (@SenatePakistan) August 30, 2019

It noted that the illegal annexation in contravention of international laws and resolutions including the United Nations (UN) Charter and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The resolution stated that Modi is turning IOK into the world’s biggest concentration camp by shutting down communications and detaining and torturing thousands of Kashmiris.

 

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The resolution welcomed the UNSC meeting on Kashmir that took place earlier this month. It also expressed appreciation for China, Turkey and Iran’s support for Pakistan's stance on the matter.

The resolution expressed support for the valiant struggle of Kashmiris resisting repression and military might.

The upper house urged the government and all stakeholders to formulate a national strategy on Kashmir.

During the debate on the resolution, Senate Deputy Chairman Ghafoor Haideri said every Pakistani was concerned over the current situation in the occupied region. He said Pakistan must extend all possible practical support to the people of Kashmir.

Former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani expressed regret on the silence of the global Muslim community over the suffering of Kashmiris. He said only three countries were supporting Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir – China, Turkey and Iran.

The Pakistan People's Party senator suggested that the parliament should take the initiative to inform human rights organisations about the dire situation in occupied Kashmir.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said Modi’s decision to revoke the special status of IOK has unified the Kashmiri leadership and divided India.

Senate of Pakistan unanimously passes resolution on expressing resolute solidarity with valiant Kashmiri people who are heroically resisting Indian Occupation, which was turned Kashmir into the world’s biggest & most brutal concentration camp, as documented in BBC report today pic.twitter.com/gqO5K9ZDIN

— Mushahid Hussain Sayed (@Mushahid) August 30, 2019

He said the Kashmir freedom movement was indigenous in nature and should remain so, adding that Pakistan must mobilise the international community for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

"This is a battle of ideas and we have to engage the media, think tanks and our diaspora to effectively highlight Indian atrocities in the occupied territory," said the senator.

Senator Nighat Mirza condemned India's atrocities in the occupied region and urged Muslims to come forward to support the people of Kashmir.

She said the UN has failed to fulfill its promises made to the people of Kashmir.

PPP Senator Rehman Malik referred to Modi as a terrorist and said the Indian prime minister should be tried for war crimes for the genocide he was carrying out in IOK.