Two Pakistani and Kashmiri leaders have called for stronger international efforts to highlight the Kashmir dispute, urging the United Nations to appoint a special envoy or establish an independent fact-finding mission to investigate alleged human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The demand was raised by Fourth Pillar Media Watchdog President Farooq Mirza and All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Altaf Ahmed Bhat during a meeting held on Tuesday. Bhat also chairs the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM).
Leaders Highlight Human Rights Concerns
During the meeting, both leaders expressed concern over what they described as continuing human rights violations, the detention of Kashmiri political leaders, restrictions on press freedom and actions affecting local properties and livelihoods.
They argued that the situation required greater international attention and called on global institutions to examine the allegations through independent investigations.
The proposed appointment of a UN special envoy or an independent fact-finding mission, they said, could help bring greater international scrutiny to developments in the disputed territory.
Call to Mobilise Overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis
Farooq Mirza stressed the importance of engaging overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri communities to raise awareness about the Kashmir dispute.
He said diaspora communities had considerable influence and resources that could be used to highlight the issue through international media, diplomatic channels and human rights organisations.
Mirza also emphasised the need for better coordination with Pakistani diplomatic missions to sustain international attention and strengthen advocacy efforts.
The two leaders agreed to work towards mobilising overseas communities, international journalists, diplomatic missions and rights organisations as part of a coordinated campaign.
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Detained Leaders and Press Freedom Under Focus
Altaf Ahmed Bhat called for evidence-based advocacy and urged international institutions to take notice of political detentions and restrictions on independent journalism in IIOJK.
He stressed that concerns regarding detained Kashmiri political figures should be raised before international human rights bodies and relevant legal forums.
Both leaders agreed to pursue the cases of detained Kashmiri leaders through international platforms, arguing that sustained engagement was necessary to keep the dispute and related human rights concerns on the global agenda.
The meeting was also attended by a delegation of journalists and representatives of the Fourth Pillar Media Watchdog.
The appeal adds to ongoing calls by Pakistani and Kashmiri political representatives for greater international involvement in the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Source: The Express Tribune
