Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan observes Kashmir occupation day

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By Wallace Mawire

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 5 August 2021 observed the occupation of Kashmir by India with a presentation to invited guests and delegates at the Embassy premises in Harare on the ongoing occupation and Kashmir conflict in order to bring global public awareness on the human rights violations to the people of Kashmir.

Fariz Hasan, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Pakistan in Harare, gave a captivating and emotional presentation on the on-going human rights violations and wrongful occupation of Kashmir by India.

In a presentation titled: Kashmir Heaven on Earth, Hasan informed delegates and Journalists on the United Nations resolutions on the rights to determination for the people of Kashmir passed on rights 21 April 1948. He said that the resolution enlarged the membership of UNCIP and recommended measures that would bring about a cessation of the fighting and create the proper conditions for a free and impartial plebiscite to decide whether the state of Jammu and Kashmir would accede to India or Pakistan.

It is reported that on 20 January 1948, the resolution set up the UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to investigate the dispute between the two countries over Kashmir and exercise mediatory influence.

It is added that on 17 January 1948, the first resolution on the India-Pakistan question called on India and Pakistan to take measures to improve the situation in Kashmir and to refrain from doing anything that would aggravate the situation.

On 30 March 1951, it is reported that the resolution decided that UNMOGIP would continue to supervise the ceasefire in Kashmir with a mandate to observe and report, investigate complaints of ceasefire violations and submit its finding to each party and to the Secretary-General.

On 14 March 1950, it is reported that the resolution called on India and Pakistan to execute and programme of demilitarisation and terminated UNCIP.

On 3 June 1948, the resolution directed the commission to proceed to the areas of the dispute without delay with a view to accomplishing in priority the duties assigned to it by resolution 47.

On 24 January 1957, the resolution concerned the dispute between India and Pakistan over the territories of Jammu and Kashmir.

On 23 December 1952, the resolution urged India and Pakistan to begin immediate negotiations under the auspices of the UN Representative for India and Pakistan in order to reach an agreement on the specific number of troops.

On 10 November 1951, the resolution concerned the report of the UN representative on India and Pakistan and on efforts to establish a plan for the demilitarisation. Both India and Pakistan were recognised for their declaration of working for a peaceful settlement, continuation to observe a ceasefire, and their acceptance of the principle that the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir would be determined by a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.

It is reported that under the Indian occupation, Kashmir has won the title of the unfinished agenda, most militarised zone in the world, largest human prison, and the largest concentration camp.

“This is what 70 years of illegal Indian occupation has turned the valley into,” Hasan said.

He said that India uses pellet guns against protesters, Kashmirs are used as human shields, they are murdered, and enforced disappearances to curb dissent are rife.

It is also reported that rape is used against the people of Kashmir as a tool of war. The government of India is also reported to use a policy to divide the people of Kasmir religiously. The government of India is also accused of state-sponsored terrorism against the people of Kasmir.it is reported that ceasefire violations in 2020 were 1595, Kashmir Valley census has been delayed till 2026 to allow time to non-Kashmiris to settle in the area, Article 370 of the Indian Constitution removed (special status granted to Kashmir), Article 35 of the Kashmir Constitution removed (gives power to Kashmiris to define Resident Status and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Third Order 2020 allowing non-permanent residents to buy property in Kashmir.

It is also reported that on 27 February 2019 Indian pilot Wing Commander Varthaman Abhinandan was shot down and captured by Pakistani Authorities. As a gesture of goodwill to encourage peace in the region Pakistan returned him safe and sound.

Pakistan is demanding India should give Kashmiris their promised “Right to Self Determination,” stop hostilities/human rights abuses against Kashmiris, stop discriminatory laws in an ill attempt to change the demographics of the region, and influence the United Nations promised plebiscite.