Islamabad: Pakistan has emphasized the need for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of women and girls in regions under foreign occupation, particularly in Kashmir and Palestine. This call was made during a discussion on “Women, Peace, and Security” at the United Nations Security Council. Pakistan highlighted the severe violations faced by women and girls in these areas and urged the Security Council to address their dire situation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ambassador Munir Akram, speaking at the debate, noted the brutal impact of occupation on women and girls. “The most egregious violations against women and girls occur in situations of foreign occupation, since one of the objectives of the occupation is the subjugation of the occupied population, among whom women and girls are the most vulnerable,” he explained. Ambassador Akram drew attention to the historical abuses in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where over 100,000 Kashmiri men, women, and children were killed in 1990.
The discussion saw participation from over 60 speakers who advocated for greater involvement of women in peace processes and equal participation in decision-making. Ambassador Akram also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to these goals, including the endorsement of the UN Secretary General’s Declaration of shared commitments. He cited the deployment of Pakistan’s first all-female community engagement team to Africa in 2019 as a practical step towards empowering women in peacekeeping roles.
Furthermore, the Pakistani envoy criticized the ongoing violence and vulnerability faced by women and girls in conflict zones, particularly due to sexual violence by occupying forces. He condemned the actions of Indian Occupation Forces in Kashmir, referring to incidents such as the reported rape of 25 Kashmiri women in 1991, which have been documented by international organizations.
The debate was opened by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who stressed the under-representation of women in peace talks and conflict resolution. She called for strengthened efforts to support women’s rights, agency, and inclusion in all spheres, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Afghanistan.