Liaqat Bashir Farooqui
Five women candidates have been elected unopposed on the five reserved seats of women of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, ” Imtiaz Naseem, Sabiha Saddique, Kausar Taqdees Gillani, Nebela Ayub Khan and Nisaran Abbasi have been declared unopposed against the five reserved seats of women of the AJK Legislative Assembly. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it is important to highlight the role of women in politics and their contribution towards gender equality. However, it is disheartening to see that some women leaders fail to advocate for the rights of women in their respective constituencies. One such case is the women members of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly who have failed to work towards the rights of women in Indian occupied Kashmir. These women, who hold positions of power and influence, have the potential to bring about significant change in their communities, but their inaction is hindering progress. The situation in Indian occupied Kashmir is dire, especially for women, who have been subjected to sexual violence, harassment, and other forms of human rights abuses. The Indian government’s brutal crackdown on the region has only exacerbated the problem, leaving women vulnerable and without basic rights. The women members of the AJK Legislative Assembly have a unique opportunity to address these issues and bring attention to the plight of their Kashmiri sisters. However, it is disappointing to note that many of them have failed to use their platform to advocate for women’s rights in Indian occupied Kashmir. Instead, many of these women have focused solely on their own political careers and have not prioritized the issues facing women in their constituencies. They have failed to push for legislative reforms that would address the root causes of gender inequality and discrimination. Moreover, some of these women have even openly supported the Indian government’s actions in Kashmir, which have only served to exacerbate the suffering of Kashmiri women. By failing to advocate for the rights of women in Indian occupied Kashmir, these women members of the AJK Legislative Assembly are complicit in the ongoing human rights violations in the region.On this International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize the efforts of those leaders who are actively working towards the betterment of women in their communities. One such leader is the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Tanveer Ilyas Khan, who has shown a commitment to promoting women’s rights in AJK and Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK). Compared to the women members of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan has taken proactive steps to empower women in his region. He has initiated several programs to provide women with education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and has condemned the ongoing human rights abuses in IOK, including the violation of women’s rights.In particular, Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan has made efforts to increase women’s political participation in AJK. He has encouraged women to run for office and has appointed women to key positions in his administration. Under his leadership, the AJK government has established a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to promote gender-responsive legislation and policies.Moreover, Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan has been actively engaging with international organizations and human rights groups to raise awareness about the situation in IOK and advocate for the rights of women in the region. He has also called for the release of Kashmiri women who have been detained by Indian authorities without due process. It is commendable that Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan has taken such bold steps to empower women in AJK and advocate for the rights of women in IOK. His efforts are a testament to the fact that women’s rights are human rights and must be protected and promoted by all leaders, regardless of gender. On this International Women’s Day, we urge other leaders in AJK and IOK to follow in the footsteps of Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas Khan and take concrete steps to empower women and promote gender equality. It is only through the collective efforts of leaders and advocates that we can create a world where all women can live free from discrimination, violence, and oppression. On this International Women’s Day, it is important to hold these women accountable and demand that they work towards the rights of women in their constituencies and beyond. Women leaders must use their positions of power to uplift and empower other women, and not just for their own benefit. In conclusion, the women members of the AJK Legislative Assembly must take responsibility for their inaction and work towards improving the lives of women in their communities. They must prioritize the issues facing women in Indian occupied Kashmir and use their platform to demand justice and equality for all women, regardless of their nationality or political affiliation
