Ajit Karn
During the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, political activists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) convened a panel to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied region.
At an event hosted by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) at the John Knox Center, intellectuals and researchers discussed radicalism, resource exploitation, enforced disappearances, and other regional issues.
President of the UKPNP (Europe Zone), Amjad Yousuf, stated, “The human rights situation in PoK is abysmal, and Pakistan maintains its grip on the entire region.” Islamabad has designated its own officials, known as Lent officers. They lack compassion for the locals and are incapable of protecting their rights.”
The activist also accused Pakistan of systematically eradicating the indigenous people’s history and culture. He added, “Several books and maps have been banned, and people are not permitted to read about their history.” According to him, the Pakistani army is using militants in the region to harass locals, particularly students who have been demanding their basic rights.
“Recently, terrorists carried out attacks on local student organisations that demanded the establishment of a border route with India in order to obtain cheaper goods in the face of high inflation. According to Amjad Yousuf, these terrorists are supported by the military and are used to harm the local populace.
Nasir Aziz, UKPNP’s Central Spokesperson, stated, “We are doing our best to bring to the attention of the United Nations and the international community that our people lack fundamental rights and infrastructure. This is a historical fact despite Pakistan’s claim that it has prohibited a number of terrorist organisations. We receive feedback from the people and share it with the international community that Pakistan has a double face; this duplicity should be communicated to the international community on the international stage.
“She says she is a champion of the self-determination rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but she is unwilling to listen to the voices of those Kashmiris who are living under her administration, her occupation, for instance in Gilgit Baltistan and PoK they are trying to annex our areas into Pakistan, and we are demanding the international community to protect the life, liberty, and property of people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan,” Nasi said.
Political activists from Pakistan’s occupied regions are concerned about Pakistan’s deteriorating political and economic conditions and their affect on their regions.
Nasir Aziz stated, “People in PoK are very concerned about the situation in Pakistan because we live under Pakistani administration, and if there is no rule of law and there is uncertainty, people will certainly suffer.” They are extremely worried because they do not know what will happen to Pakistan – whether Pakistan will survive or collapse – and what the future holds for the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
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“Our people are extremely worried because they installed a puppet prime minister in that country. The activist stated, “He is constantly praising and criticising others, but the reality on the ground is extremely difficult, and the people are looking to the international community for assistance and intervention to protect them from this brutal state.”
