A national conference was held today under the auspices of the Punjab University Human Rights Chair, in which Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan participated as the chief guest.
At the National Human Rights Conference, prominent personalities have severely criticized the alleged inaction of the United Nations in dealing with the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Kashmir, where one speaker questioned the status of the global body while another called it merely a “debating club”.
Addressing the conference, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed disappointment that the large-scale protests taking place in Western capitals against Israeli actions in Palestine were not seen in Pakistan and other Muslim countries. He questioned the purpose of the United Nations, saying that if it cannot stop oppression in conflict zones like Kashmir and Palestine, then its status is debatable.
The Speaker highlighted the dire situation in occupied Kashmir, stating that the population there is living under military siege and constant mental stress. He accused the Indian state of taking “horrific measures” to change the demographic structure of the region by displacing the Muslim population. Khan also expressed serious concern over the threat of nuclear conflict, noting its devastating potential and said that public opinion is the only force that can influence the political compulsions of the United Nations.
Senior journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami also echoed these sentiments, saying that the United Nations has become an ineffective forum. He drew a stark comparison, stating that the conditions in Palestine and Kashmir are reminiscent of the barbaric eras of Hulagu and Genghis Khan. Shami argued that without generating internal strength, it is impossible for one’s voice to be heard on the global stage.
Renowned jurist Ahmer Bilal Soofi presented a legal perspective, stating that serious violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention are occurring in Kashmir. He accused India of being “the only state in the world that adopts human rights violations” and called the slogan of “Akhand Bharat” (undivided India) the biggest threat to world peace. Soofi also noted that Israel’s foreign policy appears to be influenced by aggressive religious principles.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood reminded the audience that the Farewell Sermon is the fundamental charter of human rights and raising one’s voice against injustice is a personal and collective duty. Similarly, Dr. Mujahid Gilani detailed the hardships of occupied Kashmir, citing violence against women and abduction of youth as common issues.
Other speakers, including Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi and Dr. Bushra Rehman, affirmed that the University of Punjab has always raised its voice against human rights violations. Dr. Abida Ashraf concluded by urging the adoption of a universal perspective on human rights and stressed support not only for the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine but also for those in Sudan and Rohingya, thereby highlighting the universal message of humanity and equality.