The recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has seen serious allegations against the Pakistani government concerning its actions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Mirza Shafiq, the Chairman of the Swiss Kashmir Human Rights Commission, has claimed that Pakistani authorities are enforcing a stringent crackdown within the region. According to Shafiq, this crackdown includes road blockades, mass arrests, and the imposition of anti-terrorism laws, which he argues have led to a profound humanitarian crisis.

Shafiq reported that police and Rangers have blocked major roads linking PoJK with Pakistan, which he believes has severely hampered the delivery of essential supplies such as food and medications. He warned that these restrictions could potentially incite widespread unrest in the region, heightening tensions among the local populace.

Describing the circumstances as “cruelty rather than politics,” Shafiq highlighted his own distress over his inability to contact his 90-year-old mother for almost three weeks amid these restrictions. He expressed grave concerns regarding her deteriorating health, noting that she relies on critical medication that has become increasingly challenging to procure due to ongoing limitations.

International Community Urged To Intervene

In light of the worsening situation in PoJK, Shafiq has appealed to international organisations for intervention. He has called for these entities to facilitate dialogue between the Pakistani government and local political groups such as the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). Shafiq believes that constructive discussions are necessary to avert further loss of life and mitigate rising tensions in the region.

Additionally, Shafiq condemned the purported life sentence handed to human rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch, labelling it as unjust. He referred to a previous encounter with Baloch during a protest in Islamabad in 2024, stating that if there were any allegations against her, she should have been provided a fair trial with proper legal representation. He urged that punishing a human rights defender in this way is unacceptable.

Shafiq further stressed the ongoing unrest in PoJK, claiming that protests have persisted for the last 20 days. He alleged that over 22 individuals have been killed, more than 576 people have been detained, and 34 others have been charged under anti-terrorism legislation. He expressed concern regarding the treatment of deceased individuals, stating that the bodies of some victims had not been returned to their families.

Scale Of Crackdown Highlighted By Rising Casualties

The situation in PoJK has reportedly escalated, with Shafiq alleging substantial human rights violations amid the protests. He pointed out that the scale of the crackdown has alarmed many, with continuous protests signalling widespread discontent in the region. The reported numbers of casualties and arrests paint a grim picture of the current state of affairs, and Shafiq believes that urgent action is necessary to protect the rights and lives of citizens in PoJK.

The global community is expected to pay close attention to these developments as the allegations against the Pakistani government raise significant human rights concerns. Shafiq’s statements at the UNHRC have underscored the urgent need for international awareness and potential intervention in the tumultuous political landscape of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

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