Islamabad, August 18: Human rights violations are rampant in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), sparking significant outrage among the local population. The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has drawn international attention to the escalating atrocities committed by the Pakistani military.
The UKPNP expressed deep concern over reports of civilian deaths, arbitrary arrests, abductions, communication blackouts, travel restrictions, and punitive actions against peaceful political activists and human rights defenders in the region.
Highlighting the military’s abuses, the organization stated, “Extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, unlawful detention, excessive use of force, and damage to homes, businesses, and private property must be independently investigated. Those involved in criminal activities should be held accountable through reliable and fair legal processes.”
The UKPNP urged the United Nations and the global community to intervene and prevent Pakistan from using “excessive force” against peaceful protesters and civilians. They called for pressure to be exerted on the Pakistani government.
The statement emphasized, “As a member of the UN and a signatory to major international human rights treaties, Pakistan has a responsibility to respect and protect fundamental human rights.”
Citing information shared by the Joint Action Committee (JAAC) and reports from international media, the group noted that since June 5 of this year, dozens of civilians have lost their lives, while hundreds have reportedly been arrested or detained. Many families are seeking information about their loved ones who have been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani military during protests.
The UKPNP demanded the immediate restoration of mobile networks, internet services, and other communication facilities in POK, stating, “Ongoing restrictions have isolated entire communities, leaving millions of displaced Kashmiris unable to communicate with their families.”
The group called on Pakistani authorities to provide immediate information regarding all individuals who have been detained or gone missing in the region.
They stated, “Detainees should have access to their families, legal counsel, medical assistance, and legal aid without discrimination. Those detained merely for peacefully exercising their basic rights should be released immediately.”
Furthermore, the UKPNP demanded that the bodies of protesters be “returned immediately and unconditionally,” as reports indicate that authorities have prevented families from receiving them under the pretext of security. They added, “Families should be allowed to bury their loved ones with dignity, free from pressure, threats, or conditions.”
The group called for the restoration of freedom of movement, freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, communication services, legal aid, healthcare, and essential services, as well as the unblocking of passports, identification documents, SIM cards, and bank accounts.
The UKPNP appealed to the UN to send an impartial fact-finding and human rights monitoring mission to POK to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, excessive force, kidnapping, arbitrary detention, torture, communication blackouts, media access restrictions, collective punishment, and property damage.
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