NAVEED BUTT

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning atrocities perpetrated on innocent Kashmiri by Indian security forces in Occupied Kashmir.

The National Assembly also passed ‘The COMSATS University Islamabad Bill, 2018’ and ‘The Institute for Art and Culture Bill, 2018.’

The resolution moved by Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan demanded the international community to implement the UNSC resolutions that promise right to self-determination to Kashmiri people.

The resolution urged the government to request the Human Rights Council in Geneva to send a fact-finding mission to the occupied valley to investigate the human rights violations.

According to resolution, “This House salutes and expresses complete solidarity with the brave people of Indian Occupied Kashmir in their popular, spontaneous and peaceful protests against the illegal occupation by India and killing of innocent Kashmiris. It reiterates its continuing political, moral and diplomatic support for this just struggle.

“This House denounces these reprehensible acts of unprecedented state terrorism by India. It is confident that these blatant violations of international law cannot deter valiant, oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir from continuing to press their demand for realization of their right to self-determination, which is enshrined in numerous United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

“This House calls upon the government to urge the international community, inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary organizations, international non-governmental organizations and civil society and media organizations to urge the government of India immediately; stop all violations of the human rights of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and acts of state terrorism; repeal all black laws like Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990, Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 and others which are repugnant to fundamental rights and human dignity; release all political prisoners, including Hurriyat leadership; lift all restrictions on the media and stop intimidation and harassment of journalists; implement the United Nations Security Council Resolutions promising the right to self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This House also demands that the Human Rights Council in Geneva should be requested to immediately send a fact-finding mission to Indian Occupied Kashmir to investigate human rights violations by Indian security forces.

“This House demands that the United Nations should take immediate cognizance of the escalating violence and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir.”

The government also introduced ‘The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2018’ to ensure those who are engaged in human smuggling crime are punished and that the rights of smuggled migrants are protected.

Earlier, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq said in his remarks on Constitution Day, which was observed on Tuesday last, reiterated commitment to protect, preserve and defend each and every word of the Constitution. He said this sacred document is vital for a strong democracy and peaceful and prosperous future of the country.