rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao

MIRPUR (AJK), March 26 – Former President of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Supreme Court Bar Association (AJK SCBA), Javaid Najam-us-Saqib, strongly criticized the recent Indian court verdict sentencing three Kashmiri women—Asiya Andrabi, Sofi Fehmeeda, and Nahida Nasreen—to life and long-term imprisonment in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), describing it as prejudicial, inconsistent with the principles of justice, proportionality, and internationally recognized human rights standards.

Addressing a news conference, Najam-us-Saqib expressed grave concern over the ruling, noting that such developments reflect a troubling pattern in which legal and administrative frameworks are increasingly used to constrain political dissent, curtail fundamental freedoms, and reinforce exclusionary narratives. He emphasized that the rule of law must uphold justice, transparency, and equality rather than serve as a tool to suppress legitimate expression or dissenting voices.

The jurist stressed that a credible, impartial, and rights-based justice system is indispensable for sustainable peace and stability in the region. He urged the international community to act with seriousness and commitment in addressing these concerns. Highlighting ongoing human rights violations in the occupied territory, he cautioned that the rise of exclusionary doctrines, including those linked to Hindutva ideology, could have far-reaching consequences for the population and regional stability.

Referring to past incidents, including those in Gujarat, Najam-us-Saqib underscored the importance of accountability, minority protection, and adherence to the rule of law, emphasizing that lessons from history should guide contemporary legal and policy measures. He noted that the international community must be vigilant and proactive in monitoring human rights conditions in disputed regions and ensuring that justice mechanisms are not compromised by political agendas.

While recognizing the sovereign prerogative of states to enforce laws, he maintained that such authority must align with international legal obligations, including fair trial rights, protection against arbitrary detention, judicial independence, and due process. He further stressed that in disputed territories, the threshold for transparency, accountability, and judicial credibility must necessarily be higher.

He called on the United Nations and relevant international human rights mechanisms to ensure independent oversight, enhanced transparency, and objective scrutiny of cases in IIOJK. Reiterating Pakistan’s principled position, he affirmed that a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must follow United Nations Security Council resolutions and uphold the inalienable right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.