Lahore: At a national conference organized by the Punjab University Human Rights Chair to commemorate International Human Rights Day, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan served as the chief guest. The conference gathered notable figures, including Punjab University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood, senior journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, and legal expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi, alongside faculty members and students from various universities.
In his address, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted the global protests against Israeli actions in Palestine, noting the absence of similar demonstrations in Pakistan and other Muslim countries. He questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing the crises in Occupied Kashmir and Palestine, expressing concern over the United States’ use of veto power amid international acknowledgment of the atrocities.
Dr. Khalid Mahmood emphasized the importance of advocating for human rights, tracing the foundations back to historic tenets, and urged individuals to avoid participating in injustice. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami critiqued the United Nations’ role, questioning its impact beyond being a platform for speeches, while Ahmer Bilal Soofi pointed out the violations of international law occurring in Occupied Kashmir.
Speakers at the conference also discussed serious issues facing minorities in India and the implications of aggressive religious doctrines in international policies. Dr. Mujahid Gilani presented on the human rights abuses in Kashmir, detailing the hardships endured by its people. Dr. Amjad Magsi and Dr. Bushra Rahman reaffirmed Punjab University’s commitment to advocating for human rights, stressing the necessity of speaking out against exploitation.
The conference underscored the need for collective political action and public advocacy to address ongoing global human rights challenges, furthering the dialogue on issues affecting regions like Kashmir and Palestine.