Report on illegal transfer of population to IIOJ&K launched

Islamabad : Centre for Law and Security (CLAS) in collaboration with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Secretariat Islamabad organised a report launch and a panel discussion on the Illegal Transfer of population to Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and International Law at Kashmir House, Islamabad, says a press release.

The panel discussion focused on India’s violation of international law, lawfare options for Pakistan and the initiatives the Pakistani Government has taken with regards to Kashmir.

The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan was the chief guest of the event. The panel comprised of Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi, Advocate Supreme Court Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Ambassador (r) Riaz Khokhar, Senator Walid Iqbal, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan Sobia Kamal Khan, Executive Director CLAS Rehman Azhar and Chairman Advisory Board CLAS Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Faisal Mushtaq who mentioned the previous conference held by CLAS on illegal transfer of population in IIOJK in January 2021. He said that the conference served as a platform for insightful discussions and conclusive recommendations. He emphasized on the need to advocate for the rights of the Kashmiris and the crimes committed by India in IIOJK.

The panel discussion was moderated by Executive Director CLAS Mr. Rehman Azhar. The discussion started with Ahmer Bilal Soofi who stated that no one has a more documented legal position besides Kashmir because of the UN Resolutions. He mentioned that India’s moves are against their own Constitution. He mentioned that Pakistan has a very strong case against India regarding Kashmir. He praised the team of CLAS and their report.

Ambassador Riaz Khokhar while discussing the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with pro-India Kashmiri leaders called it a public relations stunt. He further stressed that Pakistan has a strong legal case however, the international community sides with India. He noted that CLAS and its work is educating people regarding Kashmir and international law.