Pakistan has voiced grave concern over the persistent use of torture as a tool of oppression in situations of foreign occupation, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a statement released to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Foreign Office highlighted that the people of Palestine and IIOJK are subjected to the most severe forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by occupying powers. This is done to suppress their fundamental right to self-determination.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating torture and upholding human dignity, noting that Islam itself champions the sanctity and dignity of every human being, deeming torture incompatible with its core values of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Guided by its values and international obligations, Pakistan stated it continues to strengthen legal reforms, institutional safeguards, and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. The country is also actively taking measures to provide victims with essential medical, legal, and psycho-social support.
Pakistan urged the international community to condemn the crimes committed by occupying powers and to take decisive action to end the suffering of victims subjected to torture and oppression.
Human Rights Violations in Occupied Territories and Pakistan’s Stance
Since the unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, numerous accounts have emerged detailing serious human rights violations and instances of torture and abuse by Indian forces in the occupied region.
Pakistan has reiterated its unwavering commitment to standing by the Kashmiri people, extending comprehensive diplomatic, political, and moral support in their ongoing struggle for the right to self-determination, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Meanwhile, Palestinians have faced genocide at the hands of Israel for years, and more recently, since the conflict erupted in October 2023, over 56,000 people in Gaza have been killed by Israeli occupation forces.
The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26 commemorates the moment in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect. Currently, there are 174 State parties to this crucial Convention.
