Pakistan on Thursday urged India to immediately release Kashmiri women leaders Asiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, and Nahida Nasreen. Islamabad described their sentences as “politically motivated” and an act of “revenge.”
An Indian special court sentenced Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment. Her associates Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen received 30-year prison terms under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Speaking at the weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan strongly condemns the verdicts. He rejected politically driven actions against the Kashmiri leader community.
The spokesperson noted that several Kashmiri leaders have faced long-term incarceration, including the prominent Syed Ali Shah Geelani, an iconic figure in the struggle for self-determination, who died in Indian custody.
Pakistan also condemned the continued closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Andrabi stressed that barring worshippers from congregational prayers violates religious freedoms and fundamental human rights.
He highlighted that the mosque remained closed for most of Ramadan and even during Eid prayers for the seventh consecutive year since India’s actions of August 5, 2019. Authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Muslims from gathering on significant religious occasions.
“These restrictions, particularly during Ramadan and Eid, are a matter of deep concern,” the spokesperson said. Pakistan called on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to intervene and uphold the right to freedom of religion in the region.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan will continue to raise its voice against human rights violations. He urged India to respect fundamental rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and release the Kashmiri leader figures currently imprisoned.
Pakistan also noted its ongoing security operation, “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq” (Righteous Fury), against cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban, emphasizing that the campaign will continue until all objectives are met.
In other news read more about: Asiya Andrabi Convicted Amid India’s Intensified Crackdown on Kashmiri Leaders
