Overview

A high-level seminar titled “Human Rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir” was organized by CPSD, drawing participation from renowned British political leaders, human rights activists, legal scholars, diplomats, and civil society. The event focused on highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir and strengthening international support for the Kashmir freedom struggle.

Chief Guest

• Dr. Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan
  Dr. Alvi condemned the Indian government’s actions since August 5, including the deployment of additional troops and the imposition of a prolonged lockdown. He emphasized that these steps have led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. He urged the international community to act beyond the limitations of the UN and highlighted the need for effective global media coverage to project the plight of Kashmiris.

Key International Speakers

• George Galloway — British Politician
  Condemned the illegal occupation of Kashmir by Indian forces and defended the right of Kashmiris to resist occupation, including through armed struggle if necessary. He emphasized that the Kashmir issue is multilateral and poses a risk to global peace due to the involvement of two nuclear powers.

• Lord Duncan McNair — Member, Executive Committee, Council for Human Rights and Religious Freedom

• David Ward — British Political Leader

• Barrister Rashid Ahmed — Member, Amnesty International

• Marcus C. Thomlinson — International Peace Activist

• Raja Sharaz Akhtar — Member, Peace & Rights Advocate
  All condemned Indian atrocities and extended their full support to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Remarks by Pakistani Leadership

• Shehryar Khan Afridi — Federal Minister of State for SAFRON and Narcotics
  Called for a unified national and international response to protect the human rights of Kashmiris. He highlighted Pakistan’s humanitarian contributions over decades and criticized the international media for misrepresenting Pakistan’s stance.

• Najamuddin Shaikh — Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs
  Highlighted the hypocrisy of states prioritizing economic benefits over moral obligations, citing Germany’s stance on human rights versus its economic agreements with India.

CPSD Leadership Remarks

• Chairman, CPSD
  Warned that the Kashmir crisis threatens not only regional stability but also global peace. Urged the international community to pressure India to demilitarize the region and allow a plebiscite.

• Syed Muhammad Ali — Executive Director, CPSD
  Presented the proceedings report and emphasized that Kashmir is a litmus test for the evolving world order. He called for global moral accountability over material interests to ensure a secure future for all, including Kashmiris.

• Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi — Secretary General, Foreign Relations Section, CPSD
  In his welcome address, he highlighted Kashmir’s critical significance for the peace, prosperity, and progress of over 1.5 billion people in South Asia.

Audience and Participants

The seminar was attended by:

• Members of the diplomatic community

• Human rights activists

• Government officials

• Academics and intellectuals

• Researchers and students

• Representatives from civil society and youth organizations