Senator Irfan Siddiqui Emphasizes Pakistan’s Support for Kashmir on Day of Protest

ISLAMABAD (ABN News) – Senator Irfan Siddiqui stated that today, Pakistan observed the Day of Exploitation with great passion across the country, sending a clear message of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. He condemned the revocation of Kashmir’s special status six years ago as unacceptable, emphasizing that Kashmir remains the core issue between Pakistan and India since 1948.

Senator Siddiqui highlighted that India continues to violate the rights of Kashmiris, and Pakistan’s state policy firmly supports Kashmir’s right to self-determination. He stressed that India’s constitutional changes made six years ago do not reflect the will of the Kashmiri people. Speaking on ABN News’ “Question Se Aage,” he said constitutional amendments cannot win hearts nor suppress the aspirations of Kashmiris, whose struggle for freedom remains alive. Even global leaders like Donald Trump have recognized Kashmir as a disputed territory.

He further stated that oppression, massacres, and attempts to quell the movement cannot silence Kashmir’s fight for freedom. Senator Siddiqui urged India to grant Kashmiris the right to vote as per United Nations resolutions.

Addressing domestic political issues, he explained that membership of any assembly member is automatically terminated after a court conviction. The Election Commission only endorses the judicial decision, as disqualification is an automatic process. Since the Supreme Court has not issued any stay against such decisions, disqualifications remain valid.

He emphasized the importance of judicial finality, stating that political leaders behind bars is never a desirable situation—whether Nawaz Sharif or others—long sentences and disqualifications are painful to witness. Cases, punishments, and disqualifications have become a continuous cycle affecting all political figures, from the Prime Minister to ordinary members. He urged for equal application of justice.

Referring to the May 9, 2023 incident, Siddiqui remarked that a new precedent was set that made things difficult for other leaders. He pointed out that it is not necessary for all 15 people in a room to be guilty, and that courts only punish proven offenders. He noted that Salman Akram Raja is now not only a lawyer but also the party’s secretary-general.

Speaking on attacks on 250 locations, including the burning of planes at the Mianwali Airbase, Siddiqui dismissed conspiracy theories, stating such acts could not be the work of ghosts or unseen forces. He pointed out that those celebrating these incidents were on the opposite side of the law. He added that if such events occurred in the US or UK, decisions would have been made within a week.

Senator Siddiqui reiterated that assembly membership ends automatically following a court sentence, and the Election Commission merely formalizes the process. As no stay order has been issued by the Supreme Court, disqualifications remain in force.