Islamabad has issued a strong condemnation following the sentencing of prominent Kashmiri leader Asiya Andrabi and two other women activists by an Indian court. The Foreign Office described the verdict as a serious miscarriage of justice and a clear indication of a wider campaign aimed at stifling dissent in the region. This development has drawn sharp criticism amid growing concerns over human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a detailed statement, the Foreign Office firmly rejected the life imprisonment handed down to Asiya Andrabi, the founder of the Kashmiri rights organization Dukhtaran-i-Millat (Daughters of the Nation), along with the 30-year prison terms imposed on her associates Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen. These sentences were delivered by a Delhi court under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a law frequently criticized for its use against political activists and dissenters. Andrabi, who has long been an outspoken advocate for Kashmiri rights, was apprehended by India’s National Investigation Agency in April 2018, marking the beginning of a prolonged legal battle.
The sentencing came from Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of the specially designated National Investigating Agency Court in Delhi, following a hearing focused on the severity of the punishment. The three women were convicted on January 14, 2026, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state. This verdict has been widely viewed as politically motivated, aimed at silencing voices that champion the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
It is worth noting that the Foreign Office’s statement highlighted the broader context of these convictions, emphasizing that they reflect a persistent pattern of suppressing fundamental freedoms in IIOJK. The crackdown on political expression and civil liberties has intensified in recent years, with numerous activists and leaders facing similar charges. The Pakistani government expressed grave concerns regarding the fairness of the judicial process, questioning the independence of the courts and adherence to international human rights standards. Such actions, it warned, seriously undermine the rule of law and the prospects for peace in the region.
Meanwhile, the statement underscored Asiya Andrabi’s long-standing role as a vocal advocate for Kashmir’s right to self-determination. Her conviction, it argued, symbolizes the shrinking space for political dialogue and dissent in the occupied territory. The Pakistani government cautioned that these punitive measures risk further escalating tensions, potentially destabilizing South Asia’s fragile peace environment. Islamabad has called upon the international community, including the United Nations and global human rights organizations, to urgently take notice of these developments and hold India accountable for its actions in IIOJK.
In a related development, Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Foreign Office urged the protection of the political, social, and human rights of Kashmiris, including their fundamental right to freedom of expression and access to fair judicial processes. The statement concluded by emphasizing that lasting peace and stability in South Asia can only be achieved through respect for human rights and meaningful dialogue addressing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
