National Action Plan and harassment of our workers in Azad Kashmir, a letter to HC of Pakistan

Date 10 November 2015

Dear Syed Ibne Abbas, His Excellency High Commissioner of Pakistan

Salam on behalf of Kashmir National Party.

Re: National Action Plan and harassment of our workers in Azad Kashmir

His Excellency, we are seriously concerned about growing intolerance and curbing of political and economic rights in Pakistani Administered Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan.

Kashmir National Party believes that the former State of Jammu and Kashmir is not part of India or Pakistan; and that the divided State should become united and independent.

We are not against State of Pakistan or against State of India; however, we have right to differ and oppose policies of both countries which are related to Jammu and Kashmir. We strongly oppose violence, religious intolerance and terrorism in any form or shape; and promote our struggle peacefully. This right is granted to us by the UN Resolutions on Kashmir, the UN Charter and the constitution of Pakistan.

Despite our peaceful struggle for our inherent and legally protected rights, our leaders and political workers in Azad Kashmir are systematically targeted and harassed under the cover of National Action Plan.

We have reports where shops of our workers are raided, books and literature related to Kashmir confiscated; and shops are forcefully sealed. Also people are told to stop their political activities or face the wrath of the authorities.

Also we have reports that some of our leaders are implicated in fraudulent cases, and endeavours are being made to hurt their business interests. Some political activists of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are charged under sedition laws, and some are put in jails.

People who are victimised include, Afzaal Suleria, Yasin Anjum, Wasim Malik, Rafiq Khawaja, Talat Ansari, Sharoon Mughal, Baba Jan, Col Nadir Khan, Manzoor Parwana, Iftikhar Ali and many others.

We request you to pass on our serious concerns to the relevant quarters including the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Yours sincerely

Dr Shabir Choudhry, Diplomatic Head, Kashmir National Party

Mobile 07790 942471              Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com