Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has raised strong concerns over what it describes as the “worst forms of torture” being inflicted on people living under foreign occupation, particularly in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling on the international community to act against such violations.
In a statement issued on International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Foreign Office said both regions are witnessing “systematic and widespread” use of torture by occupying powers, aimed at silencing legitimate calls for self-determination.
“The people of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to be subjected to the worst forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by the occupying powers,” the FO stated. “These actions are designed to suppress their rightful struggles for freedom.”
In IIOJK, Pakistan highlighted mounting reports of abuse since New Delhi revoked the region’s special status in August 2019. Islamabad continues to provide moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people, stressing on the need to implement UN Security Council resolutions that uphold their right to self-determination.
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The statement also highlighted the ongoing devastation in Gaza, where Israeli military operations since October 2023 have killed more than 56,000 people and injured over 132,000, according to Palestinian health authorities. A recent human rights report documented what it called “shocking” mistreatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.
“Pakistan remains gravely concerned at the use of torture as a tool of oppression,” the FO said. “We reaffirm our solidarity with all victims of torture and our commitment to upholding human dignity.”
The statement underscored that Islamic values reject cruelty and injustice. “Any act of torture or degrading treatment runs contrary to the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion, values that lie at the heart of Islam.”
Pakistan also reaffirmed its efforts to improve safeguards at home. Legal reforms, institutional oversight, and victim support systems, including medical, legal, and psycho-social services, are being expanded to prevent torture and protect basic rights.
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The FO urged the international community to take a firm stance against occupying forces violating international law. “The world must hold perpetrators accountable and help end the suffering of those subjected to torture and repression,” the statement concluded.
The UN General Assembly designated 26 June as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, commemorating the day the UN Convention Against Torture came into effect in 1987. The occasion calls on nations, civil society, and individuals to stand with victims and speak out against all forms of torture.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
