Pakistan Criticizes India for Banning Kashmiri Political Groups

Islamabad, In a pronounced critique of India’s recent actions in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has strongly denounced the Indian government’s decision to classify several Kashmiri political organizations as “unlawful associations” and to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) for an additional five years.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this new round of restrictions has resulted in a total of 14 Kashmiri political parties being outlawed in what Pakistan refers to as Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The declaration has escalated concerns regarding the persecution of party affiliates, notably leading to a call for the death penalty against Mr. Yasin Malik, who received a life sentence in 2022. Pakistan asserts that such measures cannot diminish the Kashmiri people’s quest for self-determination a right supported by relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The actions taken by India are described by Pakistan as violating international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as undermining democratic norms. Pakistan’s government has called on India to revoke the bans on Kashmiri parties, release all political prisoners including Mr. Yasin Malik, and adhere to the UN Security Council resolutions regarding Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution in line with international legal standards.