Rawalpindi, Pakistan — A prominent member of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) is calling for justice after experiencing mounting pressure and harassment from unidentified individuals, allegedly linked to Pakistani authorities. In a heartfelt appeal, Nusrat Qureshi, the wife of renowned Kashmiri artist Asif Hashmi, voiced her concern over the increasing threats to her family and her husband’s safety.
Nusrat, originally from the picturesque town of Bagh, Azad Kashmir, (Pakistan administered Kashmir) shared her emotional account of the recent events with Kashmir Voice, a leading independent news outlet dedicated to highlighting the struggles of Kashmiris.
According to Nusrat, Asif Hashmi, who is well-known for his evocative patriotic songs and national anthems that resonate with Kashmir’s ongoing struggle for independence, has long been a target due to his vocal stance. His songs have inspired generations of Kashmiris and fuelled the fire of resistance against the ongoing oppression in the region.
The situation took a dramatic turn just a few days ago when Nusrat received alarming information from a local shopkeeper in her neighborhood. She was told that unknown individuals were following her husband and had even called her, demanding his presence for a “government matter.” When she tried to inquire further, the response was chilling — “Immediately send him to us.”
This incident left Nusrat with no choice but to seek refuge at her brother’s home with her children. However, the distress did not end there. The following day, Nusrat’s brother was abducted from near his house, and Nusrat was once again contacted with the same demand: “Hand over Asif Hashmi.”
A visibly shaken Nusrat took to social media to share her concerns, appealing to both the Pakistani government and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate the harassment and ensure the safety of her family. She pointed out that if they were indeed suspected criminals, the legal system in Pakistan — with its courts, police, and administration — should intervene and handle the situation with due process.
Nusrat’s emotional statement further highlighted the distress her family has been enduring. “Who are these people who are threatening and harassing us?” she questioned. “We are not criminals. We are law-abiding citizens. If they have any evidence or accusations against us, they must present them in court. This is a matter of basic human rights and dignity.”
In her message to the international community, Nusrat also reminded them of the continuing struggle for the freedom of Jammu and Kashmir, which she says remains a deeply held conviction for millions. She reiterated that the fight for Kashmir’s liberation is not just political but a moral and religious duty — “Raising the voice against oppression is a noble act and an act of faith. It is our duty to stand firm in our belief that justice will prevail.”
As Nusrat concluded her statement, she called upon the Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to prevent further intimidation of her family and ensure that her husband, Asif Hashmi, is not subjected to unjust treatment. “May Allah keep us steadfast in our struggle for the truth,” she said.
While this troubling development unfolds, questions arise about the extent of governmental and non-governmental involvement in the harassment of activists like Asif Hashmi, whose voice continues to amplify the demand for a free Kashmir.
The ongoing human rights violations and the crackdown on activists in the region require urgent attention from both national and international bodies. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely as the fight for Kashmir’s autonomy and justice intensifies.
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