LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution strongly condemning India’s unilateral action on Aug 5, 2019, which illegally changed the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people, advocating for their right to self-determination in line with the UN resolutions.

The 29th session with a one-point agenda started with a delay of three hours and presided over by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.

The resolution, presented by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja, also rejected India’s claim over Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, denounced human rights violations, and called for the release of political prisoners and an end to atrocities in the region.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle participated in the debate on the resolution.

PPP’s Ali Haider Gillani highlighted the suffering of Kashmiris since the 2019 decision, stating that thousands have been jailed and the region has suffered significant economic losses. Opposition MPA Waqas Mann urged self-reflection, stating that while the house condemns the Modi government, it must also examine actions in the country.

The session also saw the release of nine opposition members who were taken into custody earlier in the day. The release was ordered by the speaker and followed intervention by Minister Shuja.

However, the opposition staged a noisy protest in the house, alleging that their members were manhandled by police. Hafiz Farhat Abbas stated that their clothes were torn and they were subjected to violence. He demanded legal action against those responsible.

In response, Shuja assured the house that an inquiry would be conducted into the allegations of mistreatment. He clarified that the arrests were made due to the imposition of Section 144, but assured that the detained members would be released without charges. Deputy Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channar, who was chairing the sitting, also weighed in, stating that while peaceful protest is a right, any mistreatment of members or damage to their property would not be tolerated.

Following the completion of the agenda, the deputy speaker adjourned the session indefinitely.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025