Geneva, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : Human rights advocates gathered in Geneva on September 29 to address violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The event took place during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and was organized by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP).
The conference featured several Kashmiri leaders, international human rights activists, journalists, and representatives from civil society, all of whom voiced strong criticism against Pakistan. Attendees condemned reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, communication blackouts, and excessive use of force by Pakistani security forces in the region.
Participants expressed solidarity with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and its peaceful human rights movement. The UKPNP called for an independent international investigation into unlawful killings, accountability for those responsible, justice for victims’ families, the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The conference emphasized the need for democratic self-governance in the occupied territory, ownership of natural resources, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, stability, and the rule of law. The UKPNP reiterated its opposition to the use of terrorism, extremism, and political violence, as well as the exploitation of the region for geopolitical interests.
During the UNHRC session, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, the UKPNP chairman, expressed deep concern over the increasing repression reported since June 5 of this year by Pakistani authorities in the region. He called for an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation into the alleged violations and urged the international community to pressure Pakistan to ensure accountability and protect citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights.
Shaukat Ali stated, “Peaceful dissent is not terrorism, and demanding rights is not a crime.” He demanded an end to the use of force against peaceful protesters, the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, information about missing persons, and the restoration of unrestricted internet and mobile communications across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
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