Geneva,(Parliament Times): A significant dialogue on peace and sustainable development was held in Geneva, focusing on civil liberties in occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The discussion took place during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The dialogue, chaired by Sardar Amjad Yousaf, included briefings by international experts on the human rights situation in the region. The panel strongly criticized laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and AFSPA, claiming they undermine fundamental rights. Prolonged internet shutdowns and social media monitoring were described as a “systematic digital siege.”
Concerns were also raised about pressure on media institutions and the arrests of journalists. Actions against human rights activists, including Khurram Parvez, were discussed. Biometric and facial recognition technologies were identified as threats to civil liberties.
Speakers called on the United Nations to provide immediate and unrestricted access to occupied Jammu & Kashmir and appealed for the review of cases involving individuals detained for peaceful dissent. The international community was urged to ensure full compliance with the global human rights charter.