Professor Sajjad Raja Demands Release of Abducted Citizens in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
Professor Sajjad Raja, Chairman of the National Equality Party for Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Pakistani authorities, particularly the ISI, to release all forcibly abducted citizens of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). If the demands are not met, Raja has threatened to organize an international conference in Geneva on September 17, 2024, to expose Pakistan’s alleged human rights abuses.
In a post on X, Sajjad Raja stated, “We have given a 7-day notice to Pakistani agencies and particularly to ISI to recover and release all those POJK citizens who have been forcibly abducted. If Pakistan fails to recover and release all victims of enforced disappearances, we shall hold an International Conference on this issue at Geneva Press Club on the 17th of September 2024 and shall begin a campaign against Pakistani occupation and barbaric atrocities. Enough is enough; we will not let Pakistan abduct and kill our citizens anymore. A big No to Pakistan.”
This move comes after several activists were detained by authorities following a recent protest, sparking concerns among supporters and human rights advocates. The demonstration, which focused on social equality and political accountability, drew a large and passionate crowd. Critics argue that the arrests represent a crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The detained activists, known for their advocacy and leadership roles, were taken into custody under claims of disrupting public order and potentially inciting unrest. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the balance between maintaining public safety and protecting fundamental democratic rights, with many calling for the immediate release of the activists and raising questions about the implications for civic engagement and protest movements.
Pakistan has a long history of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, often targeting human rights and minority defenders critical of the government and the military, as well as persons suspected or accused of involvement in the opposition.
Doubts Revealed
Professor Sajjad Raja -: Professor Sajjad Raja is a person who is the leader of a political party. He is working to help people in a region called Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
National Equality Party -: The National Equality Party is a group of people who work together to make sure everyone is treated fairly in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir -: This is a region that both India and Pakistan claim as their own. Right now, Pakistan controls this part of Jammu and Kashmir.
7-day notice -: A 7-day notice means that Professor Sajjad Raja has given the Pakistani authorities one week to do something, in this case, to release the people who were taken away.
Pakistani authorities -: These are the people in charge in Pakistan, like the government and police.
International conference -: An international conference is a big meeting where people from different countries come together to talk about important issues.
Geneva -: Geneva is a city in Switzerland where many important international meetings happen.
Human rights abuses -: Human rights abuses are when people are treated very badly and unfairly, like being hurt or taken away without a good reason.
Activists -: Activists are people who work hard to make changes in society, like making sure everyone has equal rights.
Protest -: A protest is when people come together to show that they are unhappy about something and want it to change.
Freedom of expression -: Freedom of expression means that people can say what they think and share their ideas without being punished.
Democratic rights -: Democratic rights are the rights that allow people to take part in their government, like voting and speaking out about issues.
