December 12, 2023

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Mr. Haroon-ur-Rashid, Vice-Chairman and Mr. Hassan Raza Pasha, Chairman, Executive Committee and Members of the Pakistan Bar Council have strongly condemned the Indian Supreme Court ruling to uphold 2019 revocation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and expressed that it hold no legal significance. They said this Judgment has undermined and compromised the credibility of Indian Supreme Court, since it is a travesty of justice, based on distorted historical and legal arguments.

 

They accused India for using the pretext of domestic legislation and judicial verdicts to abdicate its international obligations and expressed that to uphold the shameful act of Indian government of August 5, 2019 to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which has had far-reaching implications, not only for the people of the region but also for the broader principles of democracy, self-determination, and international law.

 

They expressed that the Pakistan does not acknowledge the supremacy of Indian constitution over Jammu and Kashmir considering it an internationally recognized disputed territory and said that any process subservient to the Indian constitution carries no legal significance. They said the underscored judgment would not distract the international community from the ongoing violations held in Kashmir.

 

They reiterated the legal fraternity of Pakistan unwavering support and stand in solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people and their ongoing struggle for their right of self-determination and freedom & expressed that the occupation of Jammu & Kashmir is still one of the longest-standing and unresolved issue in the world, characterized by human rights abuses, violence, and is a consistent denial of the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.

 

They in condemnation of yesterday’s verdict of Indian Supreme Court and to express solidarity with lawyers and people of Jammu & Kashmir have announced complete STRIKE from all the Courts throughout the Country for Thursday, the 14th December, 2023, as a mark of protest against decision of Indian Supreme Court for upholding 2019 revocation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

 

SECRETARY