A Cry for Justice: The Unyielding Fight of Sardar Nouman Azam Mughal Against Systemic Injustice in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
By Vincent Lyn
The case of Sardar Nouman Azam Mughal Advocate vs. the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir stands as a glaring testament to the systemic injustices plaguing governance and accountability in the region. This pivotal legal matter is not merely a singular episode of violence or neglect; it represents a broader indictment of the failure to uphold the rule of law and safeguard fundamental human rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Tragic Ordeal and Institutional Neglect
Sardar Nouman Azam Mughal, a distinguished figure with an illustrious career as a former Envoy to the International Human Rights Commission in New York and a key officer at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts. Appointed by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, as a Coordinator for the State Disaster Management Authority, Rehabilitation, and Civil Defense, Sardar Nouman played a pivotal role in rehabilitating disaster-affected communities amidst severe socio-economic crises. His leadership and collaboration with the Federal Government of Pakistan and international donor agencies exemplified his unwavering commitment to public service.
Yet, on January 7, 2024, this beacon of service and integrity became the victim of an abhorrent crime. Sardar Nouman was kidnapped near the Neelum River in Muzaffarabad, brutally tortured, and subjected to inhumane treatment over three harrowing days. Rescued in District Sahiwal, Punjab, his ordeal left him physically and emotionally scarred. Despite the gravity of the attack, the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated appalling apathy, failing to initiate a transparent investigation, apprehend the perpetrators, or provide him with the security he desperately needs.
Unanswered Questions and Legal Demands
Sardar Nouman Azam Mughal has relentlessly sought justice, filing an appeal under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act 1974, demanding answers to critical questions:
- Who orchestrated this heinous attack?
- Why was he targeted?
- Where were the state law enforcement agencies when such an egregious crime unfolded?
Despite writing to the Chief Executive, Prime Minister Ch. Anwar Ul Haq, requesting a transparent inquiry and a fact-finding report, the response has been nothing but deafening silence. Even after enduring such a traumatic incident, the government has failed to provide him with basic security, leaving him confined to the capital and vulnerable to further threats. Remarkably, Sardar Nouman has refused to seek asylum abroad, choosing instead to fight for justice within his homeland — a testament to his courage and resolve.
Demands for Justice
Sardar Nouman Azam Mughal’s demands are straightforward but urgent:
- Accountability for the culprits: Irrespective of their affiliations — whether intelligence agencies or anti-social groups — they must be identified, arrested, and punished under the Interim Constitution of AJK Act 1974.
- Protection of fundamental rights: The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir must ensure the provision of his basic human rights, including security and freedom of movement.
- Transparent fact-finding inquiry: A comprehensive report by the state law enforcement agencies must be issued, detailing the findings and guaranteeing Sardar Nouman’s safety to facilitate further legal actions.
The Broader Context and Implications
This case unfolds in the complex socio-political backdrop of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a region that prides itself on self-governance under Pakistan’s administration but is marred by constitutional ambiguities, governance failures, and systemic human rights violations. The implications of this case extend far beyond Sardar Nouman’s personal plight:
- Constitutional Integrity: The state’s disregard for fundamental rights undermines the credibility of its constitutional framework.
- Judicial Independence: The failure to address this case transparently signals a chilling erosion of judicial impartiality and independence.
- Regional Governance: The case underscores the persistent tensions between regional autonomy and the overarching influence of Pakistan’s federal structures.
This is not just a call for justice for one man — it is a call to action against the systemic rot that enables such heinous crimes and fosters an environment of fear and lawlessness. The silence and inaction of the state government are intolerable. If justice is not delivered promptly and transparently, the legitimacy of the government itself stands irreparably damaged. The world is watching, and the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir demand answers. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Vincent Lyn
CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children
Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)
Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization
Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC)
Chief International Director at 365 Security Services
Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts