August 14, 2008	Thursday	Sha'aban 11, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously condemned the killing of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz, a fresh wave of atrocities let loose by Indian troops against innocent Kashmiris and an economic blockade of the Muslim population of the occupied territory.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz was killed when Indian forces opened fire on leaders of the APHC who were leading a procession on Monday.

Information Minister Sherry Rahman moved a resolution which was adopted unanimously.

The resolution said: “We the members of this august house condemn the excessive and brutal use of force by the Indian security forces against the innocent civilian population of Indian Occupied Kashmir, including Kashmir Valley.”

The house condemned an economic blockade of the Muslim population in occupied Kashmir and attacks on their property.

It called for immediate end to the unwarranted use of force and gross human rights violations against innocent Kashmiris. It emphasised the need for a just and durable settlement of the Kashmir issue under United Nations resolutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris.

It called upon the world community, particularly the UN and international human rights organisations, to take notice of the rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

Riaz Hussain Pirzada of the PML-Q supported the resolution on behalf of the opposition.

Dr Attiya Inayatullah of the PML-Q suggested that the resolution should mention 100,000 Kashmiri martyrs, brutalities against Kashmiri youths in Indian forces’ custody, rape of Kashmiri girls and women and unearthing of mass graves in held Kashmir. She urged the government to file a case with an international court on the issues.

However, the resolution read out by the information minister was passed unanimously.

Earlier, Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza welcomed the youngest ever member of British House of Lords, Saeeda Warsi, who was there to witness the proceedings.