Senators condemn murder attempt on Ahsan, oppression on Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD: The Senate passed a unanimous resolution on Monday calling upon the international community to end its indifference to systematic oppression of Kashmiri people.

The resolution was moved by leader of the House in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq. The House strongly condemned the attack on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and stressed the need to hold a thorough probe into the matter to bring the perpetrators to book. Senators called for full implementation of the National Action Plan.

The resolution noted with concerns that India continues to kill, maim and injure the Kashmiri people every day. Despite this, it said that India has failed to extinguish the flame of freedom in the hearts of Kashmiris. The resolution reiterated that Pakistan firmly stands with the Kashmiri people and will continue to extend its moral and diplomatic support to them. The resolution urged the government to appoint a special envoy on Kashmir to highlight the plight of Kashmiri people.

Speaking on the attack on minister, former Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani said the attack must not be construed as an accident rather the gravity of the situation should be taken seriously, which can only be possible if the motive behind the assassination attempt is exposed.

He contended, “It will be of no use to shut our eyes just terming it a mere accident and what we should do is to bring the perpetrators to book to eradicate this menace”. Rabbani said the Interior Minister had played key role in preparing Charter of Democracy signed by former Prime Ministers late Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif back in 2006 in London.

Rabbani condemned the brutality by the Indian Occupied forces on innocent Kashmiris. JI’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed strongly condemned assassination attempt on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and also brutal use of forces against innocent Kashmiris in the occupied valley.

Raja Zafarul Haq told the House that the minister is out of danger as he is absolutely fine and stable. He said that he is being given best possible treatment by the medics.

The opposition leader in Senate Sherry Rehman strongly condemned the attack on the minister and prayed for his speedy recovery. She said the whole nation was united to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism from the country.

She also condemned the brutal use of force by Indian occupied forces in Jammu and Kashmir, saying a special envoy should be appointed on Kashmir with the assignment to highlight Indian army’s atrocities against innocent Kashmiris in various world capitals.

PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati vehemently condemned assault on the Interior Minister and expressed hope that he would continue to play his role in strengthening democracy. He said the whole nation was united to fight the elements working against the interests of the country.

PML-N Senator Abdul Qayyum strongly condemned attack on Interior Minister and said the reasons behind the incident should be analysed in depth. He said some elements wanted to derail the democratic process in the country. “Politicians should set aside their political affiliations and work for the betterment of the country,” he emphasised.

Senators Anwaarul Haq, Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini, Sitara Ayaz, Azam Musakhel, Ghous Baksh Niazi, Rehman Malik, and Javed Abbasi also strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Interior Minister and said it was unfortunate that National Action Plan had not been implemented yet.