Islamabad: Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has called upon the Pakistani delegation visiting the United States to launch a robust and coordinated campaign, aimed at building pressure on India to release all Kashmiri political detainees languishing in jails of India and occupied Jammu and Kashmir during meetings with the US leadership.

DFP Acting Chairman Mehmood Ahmed Saghar in a letter addressed to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) who is leading the Pakistan delegation drew his attention to the continued and unlawful detention of thousands of Kashmiris, arrested by Indian authorities both prior to and following the events of August 5, 2019. 'These detainees, booked under draconian and widely criticized laws, include minors, women, the elderly, and individuals suffering from serious health conditions.'

He said, an estimated 5,000 to 15,000 people have been arbitrarily detained since August 5, 2019.

'For decades, political and human rights activists in Kashmir have endured severe and sustained state repression. Indian forces have routinely employed raids, harassment, torture, and inhumane treatment to silence dissent in the region. Constant surveillance, social media profiling, and prolonged arbitrary detentions form part of a broader strategy to stifle political expression and civic activism. These punitive measures have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, making it exceedingly difficult for Kashmiri political leaders and rights defenders to operate freely,' the letter said.

'Reports of torture and physical assault, prolonged solitary confinement, denial of medical treatment, lack of access to legal counsel and fair trial procedures, restrictions on family visits and communication, and incidents of sexual abuse and harassment point to a systemic pattern of inhumane treatment,' Mehmood Ahmed Saghar added.

'Several prominent advocates of Kashmiris' right to self-determination-including Shabir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Massarat Aalam Bhat, Asiya Andrabi, and others-remain incarcerated in the notorious Tihar Jail. Their continued detention underscores the broader pattern of criminalizing political dissent and silencing voices advocating for Kashmiri self-determination.'

He regretted that the BJP-led Modi regime has increasingly used the judiciary as a tool to suppress democratic dissent in Kashmir. 'At a time when global calls for the inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process are gaining momentum, there is an urgent need to launch a robust and coordinated campaign demanding the immediate release of detained Kashmiri leaders.'

'As you lead an important delegation to Washington, we sincerely hope that, alongside other core issues, the esteemed delegation will take the opportunity during its engagements to raise the matter of the continued detention of Kashmiri leaders. Your support in advocating for their early release would be a significant step toward ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the Kashmiri people are duly represented in future dialogue processes,' the letter urged.

'Before concluding, allow me to express our deep appreciation for the efforts Your Excellency has made in advancing the Kashmir cause at the international level. We remain confident that you will continue to champion the cause of Kashmir with the same unwavering commitment, following in the footsteps of the great Bhutto legacy' Mehmood Ahmed Saghar said.