Pakistan’s teenage Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on Tuesday called on the United Nations (UN), the international community and Pakistan and India to work together to halt "the inhumanity and heartbreak" in India-held Kashmir (IHK).

"The Kashmiri people, like people everywhere, deserve their fundamental human rights... They should live free of fear and repression," Malala said.

"I call on the United Nations, the international community and India and Pakistan to work together with utmost urgency to right these wrongs, providing the people of Kashmir with the dignity, respect and freedom they deserve."

Over 70 people have been killed in IHK during clashes with Indian forces after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani sparked protests across the region.

"Dozens of unarmed protesters have been killed and thousands wounded, including hundreds of people blinded by pellet guns used to put down demonstrations," she said, adding that due to the weeks-long curfew imposed in IHK, "many schools have been closed... keeping children away from their classrooms."

"I stand with the people of Kashmir," she said. "My 14 million Kashmiri sisters and brothers have always been close to my heart."

Opinion

Editorial

Regional bonhomie
Updated 23 May, 2025

Regional bonhomie

Trilateral cooperation and commercial activity can lead to prosperity for all involved, specifically Afghanistan.
Local government bill
23 May, 2025

Local government bill

THE PML-N leadership is known for concentrating powers in the hands of the top political office and governing ...
New normal?
Updated 23 May, 2025

New normal?

WHY can’t the PTI and its jailed leader decide what they want? Even while leverage is slipping from its hands, the...
Khuzdar atrocity
Updated 22 May, 2025

Khuzdar atrocity

A process of reconciliation is sorely needed in the province, solely militarised response will be insufficient.
Budget and climate
22 May, 2025

Budget and climate

Govt's plan to present a climate-focused budget for the next fiscal year is a welcome paradigm shift in national economic planning.
Justice for Noor
Updated 22 May, 2025

Justice for Noor

Noor's death was the result of not just one person’s malevolence, but a preventable tragedy caused by several individuals failing to do the right thing.