Karachi, In a profound critique of the longstanding Kashmir issue, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori highlighted the failure of the United Nations to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which has persisted for over seventy-five years. The Governor’s remarks come amidst growing concerns over India’s unilateral actions in Kashmir, which defy international laws and UN resolutions, further aggravating the plight of the Kashmiri people.
According to Institute of Policy Studies, the Governor expressed dismay over the Indian Supreme Court’s support for the Indian government’s actions, including the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019. This move, aimed at altering the demographic makeup of the region, has been condemned as a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Governor emphasized that the right to self-determination for Kashmiris, recognized by the United Nations and promised by former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, cannot be overshadowed by domestic legal interpretations or denied through judicial means.
The Supreme Court of India’s rationale, citing the 1947 accession of Kashmir to India, deliberately overlooked UN resolutions and historical promises, raising questions about the impartiality and fairness of judicial processes in matters of profound political and humanitarian significance. The court’s failure to address the violation of fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and its indirect endorsement of the Indian government’s policies have sparked criticism for sidelining justice in favor of political expediency.
The critique extends to the entire Indian establishment, including the administration, parliament, judiciary, and military, accusing them of collaborating to suppress the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Despite the challenges and oppression faced, the Governor underscored the undying spirit of the Kashmiri population for freedom and autonomy.
The government of Pakistan has outright rejected the Indian Supreme Court’s decision, reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir remains a disputed territory that should be resolved in accordance with the wishes of its people, as stipulated by United Nations resolutions. The Pakistani stance emphasizes the illegitimacy of applying the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir without a referendum reflecting the people’s choice.
The Governor’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of frustration with the international community’s inertia on Kashmir and the need for a just resolution that honors the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.