My intervention made in the UN Human Rights Council June 2021 Session in Geneva.

My intervention made in the UN Human Rights Council June 2021 Session in Geneva.

Intervention June 2021

 

CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEACE ADVOCACY

 

Chair, I come from a region that is occupied by Pakistan. It is known as Azad Kashmir, meaning an independent Kashmir.

 

In this region people are not even allowed to think independently or read anything that can help them to understand fundamental rights, human dignity and independence.

 

I want to draw attention of this august Assembly to the sham elections which Pakistan wants to hold on 25 of July 2021.

 

Politics of this region is controlled by secret agencies and politicians of Pakistan. Local leaders of so-called Azad Kashmir cannot even select a candidate. Who will contest at these elections, decision is taken by Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, Leaders of Muslim League N and Pakistan People’s Party?

 

All these candidates must openly declare that they will be loyal to Pakistan; and do what the Pakistani leaders will tell them to do. Apart from that, it is widely believed that the party tickets are issued to the highest bidders, and merit is loyalty to Pakistan and financial muscle.

 

Those who oppose the Pakistani narrative are castigated as ‘traitors’ and ‘Indian agents’; and are not allowed to contest elections. All the books and booklets that oppose the Pakistani narrative on Jammu and Kashmir, and condemn extremism, terrorism and religious hatred is banned and authors face treason charges.

 

I request the UN Human Rights Council to take appropriate actions to help the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

 

Dr Shabir Choudhry

Email: drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com