United Nations, 13 Oct 2023: Pakistan appealed to the United Nations to safeguard women human rights defenders in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting their voices are being systematically suppressed by Indian troops, as conveyed by a delegate during a session of the UN General Assembly. According to the Kashmir Media Service, Hadeeqa Qureshi, a third secretary in the Pakistan Mission to the UN, spoke to the Third Committee of the General Assembly, addressing social, humanitarian, and cultural issues, revealing the substantial hurdles faced by women activists in conflict situations, especially in areas under foreign occupation such as Indian occupied Kashmir. The delegate called for global acknowledgment and support for their crucial contributions amidst conflicts, including those arising from foreign occupation, amid an interactive dialogue with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor.

Qureshi detailed a series of abuses allegedly perpetrated by Indian forces against women human rights defenders, including sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detentions, and various forms of intimidation and harassment. She further stated that through protracted internet shutdowns and restrictions on media and social media, the voices of these defenders are being systematically muted.

In a sharp rejoinder to the Pakistani delegate’s statements, Indian delegate Kajal Bhat asserted the conventional stance of India, affirming Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country. Hadeeqa Qureshi, exercising her right of reply, refuted Bhat’s assertion, stating, “Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized territory and is neither at all an integral part of India, nor is it India’s domestic matter.” The dialogue underlines the persistent tension and discord between the two nations regarding the territorial dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, shedding light on the human rights concerns in the contested area amidst the geopolitical contention.