Pakistan calls Kashmir Elections a ‘farce’ at UN Rights Council

Pakistan has called the municipal elections in Indian-occupied Kashmir “farcical,” restating the UN’s recognition of the fundamental right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

In his remarks on Thursday at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistani delegate Danyal Hasnain contended that any election held in an area that is illegally occupied, heavily militarized, has outlawed political parties, imprisoned its leaders, and had a history of torture and murder is a mockery and not a legitimate election.

Hasnain made these comments in response to Indian delegate Gaurav Thakur, who had taken issue with Pakistan’s previous declarations denouncing abuses of human rights in Kashmir.

Refusing to name India outright, Hasnain exercised his right to reply, but he did hope that “this delegation” will acknowledge the misery brought on by its illegitimate occupation.

He went on to say that the continuous boasts of Jammu and Kashmir’s extraordinary progress were nothing more than false advertising, a trait shared by all colonial ventures. Hasnain further stated how colonial endeavors frequently support long-term injustices, exploitation, and abuse.

The UN Security Council has committed to preserving the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination, he stated, and he accused the Indian delegate of attempting to deflect attention from this battle. The significance of these resolutions has also been confirmed by the UN Secretary-General.

Hasnain bemoaned the fact that, in flagrant violation of international law, particularly Article 25 of the UN Charter, the people of occupied Kashmir have been denied their right to self-determination for more than 70 years.