UN Urged to Intervene as Pakistan Cracks Down on PoK Protests

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) and the Swiss Kashmir Human Rights Commission have appealed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an independent Fact-Finding Mission in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The appeal alleges that Pakistani paramilitary forces used tactical drones and live ammunition against unarmed protesters, resulting in over 24 civilian deaths. Since June 5, authorities have enforced a communication blackout and a physical blockade, restricting access to food and medicine while allegedly occupying hospitals.

Protesters, coordinated by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), are demanding wheat subsidies and fair electricity pricing, with some calling for full independence. The Government of Pakistan has responded with forced disappearances and the arrest of JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who was transferred to Rawalpindi under military watch. Authorities also designated the JAAC as a proscribed organization to suppress political dissent ahead of regional elections.

In response to the unrest and national economic instability, the Pakistani government has accused India of fueling the protests and practicing water terrorism by placing the Indus Water Treaty under abeyance. Simultaneously, the National Anti-Terrorism Front India staged protests in Jammu, criticizing the United Nations for its silence regarding the humanitarian crisis and asserting that the region is an inseparable part of India.