ISLAMABAD: The chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, has briefed the international community in Geneva on human rights violations in India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Leghari, who is currently visiting Geneva as the special envoy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in separate meetings with the president of the Human Rights Council, president of the International Committee of Red Cross and ambassadors based in Geneva, informed them about the atrocities being committed by the Indian forces against the defenceless people of the Valley.

The impact of pellet-gun injuries leading to “dead eyes” phenomenon on peaceful protesters was highlighted, a statement from Pakistan’s permanent mission to the UN at Geneva said.

Mr Leghari emphasised the importance of the implementation of UN Security Council’s resolutions that recognise Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territory and call for a free and fair plebiscite for the realisation of the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.

The chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee referred to the prime minister’s letters addressed to the UN Secretary General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, asking them to stop the grievous brutalities of Indian security forces and investigate the excesses committed against the people of held Jammu and Kashmir.

The special envoy would continue to meet important dignitaries in Geneva and apprise them of the plight of the helpless Kashmiris, who have been seeking the international community’s help in ending terror and violence being unleashed on them.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2016