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 part of a wider campaign aimed at suppressing dissenting voices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a detailed statement, the Foreign Office firmly rejected the life imprisonment handed to Andrabi, the founder of the Kashmiri rights organization Dukhtaran-i-Millat, commonly known as the Daughters of the Nation. Alongside her, Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were each sentenced to 30 years behind bars by a Delhi court under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This ruling comes after their conviction on January 14, 2026, on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state, as per the Indian Penal Code.
It is worth noting that Asiya Andrabi has been a vocal and persistent advocate for Kashmiri rights for many years. Her organization, Dukhtaran-i-Millat, was banned by the Indian government, and she was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in April 2018. The sentencing was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh at the specially designated National Investigating Agency Court in Delhi after a hearing focused on the severity of the punishment.
The Foreign Office’s statement highlighted that this verdict is emblematic of the ongoing erosion of fundamental freedoms in IIOJK. It pointed out that such politically motivated prosecutions are part of a broader pattern aimed at silencing those who champion the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people. Concerns were raised over the lack of due process, judicial independence, and adherence to international human rights standards, emphasizing that these actions severely undermine the rule of law and justice.
Meanwhile, Islamabad underscored that Andrabi’s conviction signals a shrinking space for political expression and civil liberties in the occupied territory. The government warned that these repressive measures risk further escalating tensions in the region and could jeopardize the fragile prospects for peace and stability in South Asia.
In a related development, Pakistan called upon the international community, including the United Nations and global human rights organizations, to urgently take notice of this troubling development. The statement urged these bodies to hold India accountable for its actions in IIOJK and to ensure the protection of the political, social, and human rights of the Kashmiri people. This includes safeguarding their right to freedom of expression and ensuring fair trial standards are upheld.
Reaffirming its long-standing position, Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for self-determination. This stance aligns with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which continue to call for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people.
