Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The policy makers, both opposition and government in Upper House of Parliament strongly reacted over ongoing human rights violation in Indian Occupied Kashmir and agreed to take up the issue at all international and diplomatic channels. During the five days session of Senate from July 18 to July 22, the senators also agreed to pass women’s protection bill particularly in the wake of social media starlet Qandeel Baloch’s death at the hands of her brother. So-called honour killings claim around a thousand lives in Pakistan every year.

All opposition parties debated the atrocities carried out at the hands of Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir. In this regard, the Senate also passed a unanimous resolution against deplorable use of force by Indian forces against people of the region, urging world organisations to take notice of human rights violations and work for implementing United Nations resolutions on Kashmir issue.

The resolution requests the United Nations, international community, inter-government and inter-parliamentary organisations, elected representatives and bodies, human rights organisations, civil societies and media organisations working for freedom of expression for implementing the UN resolutions on the inalienable right of self-determination of the people Jammu and Kashmir.

It condemns the state terrorism, brutal killings, human rights violations and restriction on freedom of expression including mass and social media, and restrictions in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. The senators resolve to express solidarity with the oppressed and struggling people of the Occupied Kashmir in their latest popular, spontaneous, indigenous and widespread upsurge against the illegal and unjust occupation.

They said that since the martyrdom of Burhan Wani, the brutality of the Indian security forces in the valley have resulted in 50 fatalities, 3,500 injuries and nearly 150 people being blinded and critically disfigured.

They said that proliferation of mass graves and blatant use of lethal and proscribed non-lethal weapons testify to this chilling reality.

During the five days discussions, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz informed that Pakistan had decided to approach the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to investigate human rights violations and the recent wave of violence against civilians in India-held Kashmir (IHK) by Indian forces. “We have requested UNHRC to send a fact-finding mission to India-occupied Kashmir and probe recent killings of innocent Kashmiris.”

The senators also took up the the issue of honour killing specifically after Qandeel Baloch’s strangulation by her brother in the name of honour killing. PPP stalwart and leader of opposition in Senate Aitizaz Ahsan said females comprised 50% of the population which became a problem for the other half.

The senators stressed upon a need for change in mindset, otherwise the country would head towards destruction. The House was informed that Baloch’s killer would be forgiven by the family after a few days and suggested the government close such loopholes. The senators stressed that there should be a conference and proper discussions over such issues.