Chaudhry Tabraiz Aurah
London:The International Lawyers Club UK organised a special conference titled “Legal Implications of Revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu & Kashmir” at the UK Parliament. The conference, aimed at discussing the legal and human rights consequences of India’s revocation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, brought together British parliamentarians, legal experts, and members of the British-Pakistani community.
Dr. Muhammad Faisal,Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, participated as the Chief Guest, while Imran Hussain MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, co-chaired the session.The conference was attended by several British parliamentarians and ILCUK office bearers, including:Hafiz Abdul Ghani Choudhary Chairman,Imran Pannawala, General Secretary,Ghulam Mustafa Khwaja Former Chairman, Moazzam Ali Sindhu, Adviser to the Chairman, Muhammad Mushtaq Choudhary, Head of Finance,Miss Romana Kausar, Head, Women’s Wing,Mian Manzoor Hussain, CEC Member, Muhammad Zafar, CEC Member,Muhammad Usman Naeem CEC Member,Ijaz Ahmad Bosal, Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption,Muhammad Shakeel Akram, Deputy Mayor of Hounslow,Ejaz Ahmad, Member, Punjab Bar Council,Amjed Javed, Deputy Prosecutor General, Anti-Terrorism Courts, Punjab and A large number of British-Pakistani lawyers , members of the Pakistani diaspora were also in attendance.Speaking at the conference, Imran Hussain MP emphasized the need for international action, stating
“We must see renewed efforts to secure justice and self-determination for the Kashmiris. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A is not just a constitutional change; it has severe implications on human rights, governance, and the identity of the Kashmiri people.In his keynote address, Dr. Muhammad Faisal strongly condemned the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, calling it a violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the Simla Agreement. He stated:
“These illegal actions are aimed at altering the demographics of Jammu & Kashmir and suppressing the fundamental rights of its people. Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support for the just cause of Kashmir.
ILCUK Chairman Hafiz Abdul Ghani Choudhary welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the legal and human rights consequences of the revocation. He explained that the decision, made on August 5, 2019, removed the special status of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to The full integration of IIOJK under the Indian Constitution, allowing non-residents to buy land and apply for government jobs.The implementation of over 800 Indian central laws, including strict anti-terror and anti-corruption laws, increasing government control over the region.The loss of local autonomy, raising concerns about identity, self-governance, and regional stability.
Muhammad Mushtaq Choudhary, Head of Finance Said his speech
we are here to condemn the abrogation of Article 370 & 35A by the Indian Govt, which has abolished special status of the state of Jammu & Kashmir! I personally consider that it will boost violation of human right in the occupied jammu & Kashmir & it is obligatory on all of us to raise our voice in support of the right of self determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir!
Miss Romana Kausar, Head of ILCUK’s Women’s Wing, focused on the gendered consequences of the revocation, stating“Women’s rights have been severely affected. Property rights, inheritance laws, and fundamental gender equality protections have been compromised under this new legal framework.She called for international intervention to protect the rights of Kashmiri women, emphasizing that human rights are universal and must not be ignored.British parliamentarians and British-Pakistani legal experts at the conference unanimously condemned human rights violations in IIOJK. They urged the international community to pressure India into Respecting UNSC resolutions.Ending human rights abuses in the region,Allowing Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determinationThe conference concluded with the presentation of awards and shields to distinguished guests and officials of the International Lawyers Club UK. Councilor Moazzam Ali Sindhu served as the stage secretary for the event.
Participants expressed their commitment to continuing legal and diplomatic efforts to support the Kashmiri cause. They emphasized that the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A is not just a regional issue but a global human rights concern, urging international organizations like the United Nations to take immediate action.
