DFP concerned over shifting of Shah to Kotbalwal jail amid rapidly declining health conditions

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th May, 2026) Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has expressed serious concern over shifting of its party president Shabir Ahmed Shah to Kotbalwal jail amid rapidly declining health conditions, describing it as the worst form of political victimisation.

In a statement issued here Sunday, DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal, while strongly criticising the recent move by Indian authorities, said that Shah, who has been suffering from multiple health complications, was being subjected to political persecution and denied fundamental rights, including access to bail and adequate medical treatment.

The spokesman said that despite his deteriorating health condition, Shah continued to be kept in harsh and inhuman conditions without proper food and necessary healthcare facilities.

Referring to international human rights laws and conventions that guarantee special protections for political prisoners, he said that depriving Shah of basic medical and legal rights amounted to a grave violation of human dignity and humanitarian principles.

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The DFP spokesman also expressed concern over what he termed the Indian authorities’ disregard for their own legal and judicial institutions. He noted that despite court rulings favouring Shabir Ahmad Shah and directing his immediate release, the authorities had failed to implement the orders.

Expressing grave concern over Shah’s rapidly declining health, the spokesman said that the incarcerated leader urgently required specialised medical treatment and proper care.

He stressed that at this crucial juncture, Shabir Ahmad Shah also needed the support and presence of his family members, adding that denying him access to adequate treatment and family contact was both inhuman and condemnable.

The DFP spokesman urged the international human rights organizations to play their much needed role to help secure early release of Shah and other Kashmiri prisoners languishing in Indian jails.