Sindh lawmakers express solidarity with IIOJK people

Provincial assembly passes resolution to condemn abolition of Kashmir’s special status by India on Aug 5, 2019

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution denouncing the Indian government for taking illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019 to abolish the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The provincial assembly demanded of the international community to play its role for the Kashmir people's right to self-determination and release of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik.

The resolution, which was moved by PPP MPA Sharmila Faruqui, stated that the Indian government on August 5, 2019 in a blatant violation of its own Constitution, which provides a special status to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), illegally annexed it and abolished its special status.

"This House expresses solidarity with the Kashmiri people and strongly condemns the atrocities being committed by Indian forces for the last three years in IIOJK. The House denounces all illegal actions by the Indian government, including the abrogation of Article 37 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, and appreciates the unshakable determination of the Kashmiri leaders for self-determination. The House also shows deep concern over the life imprisonment handed to Yasin Malik on the basis of illegal and politically motivated sham trials, and demands his immediate release," the resolution reads.

Speaking on the occasion, Faruqui appreciated the struggle of the Kashmiri people, saying that the issue of Kashmir should be resolved according to the resolutions of the United Nations. "The atrocities of Indian forces on Kashmiris should come to an end," she demanded.

Saeed Afridi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also presented a resolution on the same subject. He said that the unilateral actions taken by India on August 5, 2019 were cruelty to the Kashmiris and they wanted justice from the whole world. "The Indian actions have turned the Kashmiris into a minority. India has taken an illegal step which has exposed its true face," he added.

The PTI MPA said that Pakistan would continue supporting the people of IIOJK in their struggle for their right to self-determination. He said that the UN resolutions promising the right to self-determination have not been implemented, but international human rights organizations keep mum.

During their fiery speeches, other lawmakers also criticized the international community for its silence over the atrocities being committed on the people of IIOJK and urged the world to come forward and play its role.

Earlier when the session started with Deputy Speaker Rehana Leghari in the chair, Education Minister Sardar Shah informed the house that there was no manual system for college admission and students now apply online.

Responding to a call attention motion moved by MQM MPA Sidaqat Hussain, he also said that candidates now have a tendency to seek college admission in computer science and that admissions are given purely on merit. Later the session was adjourned.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2022.