Delegation Highlights Human Rights Violations to Pope Francis at Vatican City

A delegation representing Afghans, Pashtuns, and Kashmiris met Pope Francis in Vatican City to discuss human rights violations in their regions. They sought global support and intervention, highlighting issues such as political repression, systemic corruption, and religious discrimination.

A high-profile delegation representing Afghans, Pashtuns, and Kashmiris met with Pope Francis in Vatican City on Wednesday to raise awareness about human rights violations in their regions. The delegation, invited by the Afghan Community in Italy, aimed to brief the Pope on ongoing issues and seek global support and intervention.

The delegation featured notable figures including Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, the exiled Founding Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), and Mashriqwal Kaihan, a prominent Afghan community leader. Leaders from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and Asif Abbas, General Secretary of the UKPNP Europe Zone, were also present. They underscored the urgent need for international focus to alleviate the hardships faced by the people in their regions.

The delegation expressed hope that the support of Pope Francis would bring greater visibility to their cause, leading to meaningful action toward peace and justice. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri provided historical context, explaining the origins and ongoing turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the area controlled by Pakistan.

According to a statement from the UKPNP, the leaders highlighted that regions such as Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan suffer from political repression, lack of development, and systemic corruption imposed by Islamabad. The party condemns Pakistan's use of the region for proxy wars and terrorism, starting in 1988 and continuing to this day.

The UKPNP also condemns religious discrimination globally, particularly in Pakistan, covering issues like attacks on Christians, forced conversions of minor Christian and Hindu girls, and misuse of blasphemy laws. The UKPNP has raised these issues at international forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the European Parliament, and the UK House of Commons, and will continue its advocacy.

The delegation conveyed deep gratitude to Pope Francis for the opportunity to discuss the plight of their people. They detailed severe human rights abuses and the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.

They earnestly requested Pope Francis to use his influential position to advocate for the protection and well-being of those affected by conflict, oppression, and discriminatory laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)