ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan has expressed serious concern over the re-arrest and continued extension of a three decades old case against distinguished Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmad Shah.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi in a statement in Islamabad said Shabir Shah has remained incarcerated on fabricated charges for seven consecutive years, in addition to earlier periods of detention.
He said he has been diagnosed with cancer and harsh prison conditions and lack of access to basic amenities are further aggravating his plight.
Proceedings against Kashmiri leader
He called upon India to end the sham trial of Shabbir Shah, as well as similar proceedings against other Kashmiri leaders.
He also expressed serious concern over the continued detention of Yasin Malik since 2019, as well as the denial of fair trials in politically-motivated cases against him and other members of the Kashmiri leadership.
The Spokesperson said India’s judicial system, which has been seen to grant relief to terrorists and individuals such as Aseemanand and Colonel-turned-Brigadier Purohit, while incarcerating Kashmiri Muslims like Shabbir Shah, must reflect on its adherence to principles of justice and impartiality.
He urged the international community to take cognizance of the situation and play its role in pressing India for the immediate release of Shabbir Ahmad Shah, along with other political prisoners, human rights defenders, and dissenting voices.
He said Pakistan also strongly condemns the illegal and illegitimate actions of Indian occupation forces in connection with the ban and sealing of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Banning this educational institution is a flagrant injustice to poor and underprivileged communities, given its role in providing accessible, quality education to those unable to afford private schooling.
Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom has produced reputable doctors and professionals who have served society with dedication, he added.
He said Pakistan strongly rejects the creation of additional districts in the occupied Ladakh region of the territory and considers such unilateral actions by India in an internationally recognized disputed territory to be devoid of legal validity and in contravention of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The spokesman said these measures neither alter the internationally-recognized disputed status of the region nor prejudice the final disposition of the dispute, which is to be resolved in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people through a free and impartial plebiscite under United Nations auspices.
