ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly urged India to release prominent Kashmiri leader Asiya Andrabi along with her associates Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen, calling their convictions politically motivated.
During a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi criticized the recent verdicts issued by an Indian court. Andrabi received a life sentence, while Sofi and Nasreen were each handed 30-year prison terms under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The spokesperson said Islamabad rejects what it sees as politically driven actions targeting Kashmiri leadership. He also highlighted the long detentions faced by several leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who passed away while in Indian custody.
Pakistan further raised concern over restrictions in Srinagar, particularly the continued closure of the historic Jamia Masjid. Authorities have reportedly prevented congregational prayers there, including during Ramadan and Eid, for several consecutive years since developments of August 2019.
Calling these actions a violation of religious freedoms, Pakistan urged the United Nations and global human rights bodies to take notice and press India to uphold fundamental rights in the region.
On a separate note, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan’s military campaign, “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq,” will continue. The operation, launched in response to cross-border attacks attributed to the Afghan Taliban, aims to dismantle militant networks and infrastructure. Although a temporary pause was observed following requests from friendly countries, officials say the operation remains active.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to raising concerns over human rights issues and called on India to ensure basic freedoms in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
