Statement on the Future of Jammu & Kashmir ( Under Pakistan Occupation) and the 28th Constitutional Amendment I firmly believe that if Pakistan genuinely seeks peace, stability, and democratic governance in the territories under its administration, including so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, it must immediately withdraw the 28th Constitutional Amendment and refrain from any measures that further undermine the political, administrative, and territorial integrity of the region. Any attempt to alter the constitutional status of these territories without the free, prior, and informed consent of their people is contrary to democratic principles and the universally recognized right of peoples to determine their own political future. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not merely subjects of administrative decisions; they are stakeholders whose voices, aspirations, and rights must be respected. The reported efforts to restructure, divide, or trifurcate the region are deeply concerning. Such actions risk creating further political instability, social unrest, and mistrust among the population. The territorial unity and historical identity of Jammu and Kashmir must not be compromised through unilateral constitutional or administrative measures imposed from above. Peace cannot be achieved through coercive policies, excessive securitization, suppression of dissent, communication restrictions, or the curtailment of civil and political freedoms. Sustainable peace can only emerge through democratic dialogue, respect for fundamental human rights, transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation of the people in decisions affecting their future. The recent developments in Rawalakot and other districts have already heightened tensions and raised serious concerns regarding civil liberties, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of peaceful political activists. Instead of imposing constitutional changes and expanding centralized control, the authorities should engage constructively with local communities, political organizations, civil society groups, and human rights defenders. International human rights standards, including the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights instruments, emphasize the importance of participation, representation, and respect for the wishes of the people. Any constitutional arrangement affecting the future of Jammu and Kashmir should be based on democratic consultation and broad public consensus rather than unilateral imposition. I therefore call upon the Government of Pakistan to: 1. Immediately withdraw the 28th Constitutional Amendment. 2. Abandon any plans aimed at the trifurcation or fragmentation of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. 3. Respect the democratic and political rights of the people. 4. End policies of intimidation, collective punishment, and restrictions on peaceful political activity. 5. Ensure unrestricted access to essential commodities, healthcare services, communication networks, and humanitarian assistance. 6. Initiate an inclusive dialogue with all genuine stakeholders, including representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 7. Allow independent national and international human rights observers to assess the situation on the ground. The future of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be determined through force, constitutional engineering, or administrative decrees. Lasting peace, stability, and prosperity will only be possible when the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people are placed at the center of all political processes. No trifurcation. No unilateral constitutional changes. Respect the will of the people and uphold democratic principles. Jamil Maqsood Human Rights Defender and Advocate for the Rights of the People of Jammu & Kashmir Brussels, Belgium June 2026
Jamil MAQSOOD
Urgent Appeal Statement on the Future of Jammu & Kashmir ( under Pakistani Occupation) and the 28th Constitutional Amendment I firmly believe that if Pakistan genuinely seeks peace, stability, and democratic governance in the territories under its administration, including so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, it must immediately withdraw the 28th Constitutional Amendment and refrain from any measures that further undermine the political, administrative, and territorial integrity of the region. Any attempt to alter the constitutional status of these territories without the free, prior, and informed consent of their people is contrary to democratic principles and the universally recognized right of peoples to determine their own political future. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not merely subjects of administrative decisions; they are stakeholders whose voices, aspirations, and rights must be respected. The reported efforts to restructure, divide, or trifurcate the region are deeply concerning. Such actions risk creating further political instability, social unrest, and mistrust among the population. The territorial unity and historical identity of Jammu and Kashmir must not be compromised through unilateral constitutional or administrative measures imposed from above. Peace cannot be achieved through coercive policies, excessive securitization, suppression of dissent, communication restrictions, or the curtailment of civil and political freedoms. Sustainable peace can only emerge through democratic dialogue, respect for fundamental human rights, transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation of the people in decisions affecting their future. The recent developments in Rawalakot and other districts have already heightened tensions and raised serious concerns regarding civil liberties, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of peaceful political activists. Instead of imposing constitutional changes and expanding centralized control, the authorities should engage constructively with local communities, political organizations, civil society groups, and human rights defenders. International human rights standards, including the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights instruments, emphasize the importance of participation, representation, and respect for the wishes of the people. Any constitutional arrangement affecting the future of Jammu and Kashmir should be based on democratic consultation and broad public consensus rather than unilateral imposition. I therefore call upon the Government of Pakistan to: 1. Immediately withdraw the 28th Constitutional Amendment. 2. Abandon any plans aimed at the trifurcation or fragmentation of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. 3. Respect the democratic and political rights of the people. 4. End policies of intimidation, collective punishment, and restrictions on peaceful political activity. 5. Ensure unrestricted access to essential commodities, healthcare services, communication networks, and humanitarian assistance. 6. Initiate an inclusive dialogue with all genuine stakeholders, including representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 7. Allow independent national and international human rights observers to assess the situation on the ground. The future of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be determined through force, constitutional engineering, or administrative decrees. Lasting peace, stability, and prosperity will only be possible when the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people are placed at the center of all political processes. No trifurcation. No unilateral constitutional changes. Respect the will of the people and uphold democratic principles. Jamil MAQSOOD President Foreign Affairs Committee United Kashmir People’s National Party ( UKPNP) Human Rights Defender and Advocate for the Rights of the People of Jammu & Kashmir Brussels, Belgium June 2026