GENEVA, Sept 25: Kashmiri socio-political activist Tasleema Akhtar raised concerns over the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) during the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Akhtar, who is associated with the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir (ATVK), alleged that Pakistani authorities used force against civilians during recent protests in PoJK over governance and economic issues.
Addressing the UN forum, she called for an independent investigation into each reported civilian killing, with access to relevant information and records.
Akhtar also alleged that hundreds of activists were arrested, key leaders detained and internet services disrupted during the protests. She further claimed that clashes resulted in dozens of deaths. These claims were presented by Akhtar during her intervention at the UN.
Speaking to NDTV, Akhtar challenged Pakistan’s description of the region as “Azad Kashmir” and argued that the situation on the ground did not reflect that characterization.
She also alleged that people from outside PoJK were being presented at international forums as representatives of the region, while those directly affected were not adequately represented.
Calling for greater international attention, Akhtar urged the UN Human Rights Council to address what she described as restrictions on civic space and communications in PoJK.
She demanded an end to alleged reprisals against civilians, restoration of communications and an independent inquiry into reported deaths during the protests.
Akhtar’s remarks come amid recent protests in PoJK led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and civil society groups over governance, economic conditions and other local issues.
