ISLAMABAD: Yasin Malik, a prominent Kashmiri political leader, should be released to ensure justice, a fair trial, and the protection of his fundamental human rights, stated Sardar Masood Khan, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, as well as the former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Khan emphasized that Malik’s ongoing prosecution and incarceration raise serious concerns under international, customary, and human rights laws.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan’s remarks came following Yasin Malik’s recent letter explaining his decision to withdraw from judicial proceedings. Khan described the letter as deeply moving, highlighting important legal and humanitarian issues. Malik’s letter disclosed his reasons for losing faith in the judicial process and reiterated his commitment to non-violence, a consistent aspect of his political struggle.
Khan raised questions about the revival of a case against Malik from an incident in 1990, questioning how such a long-standing matter could be used against him, especially when it was previously within the legal framework. He underscored Malik’s political role as a leader advocating for the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people, stressing that the region’s status as an internationally disputed territory necessitates adherence to international legal obligations.
Ambassador Khan criticized Malik’s trial as undermining several international conventions and laws, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) articles guaranteeing a fair hearing, protection against arbitrary detention, and the right to life. Similarly, he asserted that India is violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by denying Malik a fair trial and subjecting him to alleged torture in Tihar Jail.
Khan invoked customary international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, condemning the forcible transfer of Malik from the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the denial of visitation rights to Malik’s family as a deeply painful humanitarian issue.
Furthermore, Khan expressed concern over the application of TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) and UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act), which Amnesty International has criticized as “lawless laws,” raising serious human rights questions.
“Yasin Malik must be free because justice cannot be separated from due process, human rights, and international law,” Khan concluded, emphasizing that the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for self-determination cannot be suppressed indefinitely.