India

UKPNP secretary calls attention to human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir

Sajid Hussain, Secretary of Information for the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), raised serious concerns over ongoing human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing 57th session of the Human Rights Council.

In his speech, he urged the United Nations to prioritise the follow-up on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reports from 2018 and 2019, which addressed grave human rights violations in the forcibly divided former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (PoJk) and (PoGB).

He stated, “These reports highlighted critical issues such as excessive use of force, arbitrary detention, and severe restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. The situation is deteriorating in Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where radical Islamic forces are exerting pressure and issuing fatwas (religious decrees) against activists involved in human rights movements. Such decrees can lead to various forms of harassment, physical violence, or even threats to life, especially for those challenging the status quo.”

Further, Hussain emphasised that these developments create significant intimidation and fear, suppressing voices that advocate for human rights in the region.

He also mentioned the case of Asma Batool, a human rights defender recently arrested for sharing a poem on social media that drew the attention of extremist groups. As a result, she was charged with blasphemy, placing her life in grave danger. Another similar case he highlighted was that of Arsalan from Arja, Bagh, who was also arrested and detained, with their families facing harassment and receiving life threats.

He further stressed that freedom of expression is severely compromised in the region under Pakistan’s administration, where religion is weaponized against human rights defenders. Those who raise their voices for the voiceless are targeted by pro-government clerics, who issue fatwas declaring their activities as anti-Islamic.

Hussain concluded his statement and affirmed, “Asma and Arsalan endured more than 10 days of persecution and solitary confinement. Additionally, many terrorist groups operate under government supervision, posing a serious threat to secular, democratic, and progressive individuals like Asma Batool. The Council should urgently address this situation and call on Pakistan to protect its citizens’ lives and put an end to extremism and terrorism in our region.”

“The historical state of Jammu and Kashmir is a single political entity. Its unification, stability, prosperity, and restoration of sovereignty are essential for safeguarding the life, liberty, and property of its people. The unilateral alteration of the region’s status through the dismemberment of the historical state and forced annexation has adversely affected the situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

VINBAX 2024: Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise concludes at Kaushalya Dam

The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its…

11 hours ago

India-Russia strengthen defence ties at 22nd Working Group meeting on military technical cooperation

The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military technical cooperation and defence industry…

11 hours ago

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

13 hours ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

13 hours ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

15 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

16 hours ago