UKPNP Calls on UN, Global Community to Address Human Rights Concerns in PoJK

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene over what it described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). The party urged Pakistan to immediately stop what it called the excessive and lethal use of force against peaceful protesters and civilians. In a post on X, UKPNP spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan expressed serious concern over reported civilian deaths and injuries, arbitrary arrests, alleged enforced disappearances, communication blackouts, movement restrictions and actions against political activists and human rights defenders.

According to Khan, information attributed to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), along with reports in international media, suggests that dozens of Kashmiris have been killed since June 5, 2026. The UKPNP also claimed that hundreds of people have been arrested or detained, while families remain unaware of the whereabouts of some of their relatives.

The party has called for the immediate restoration of mobile networks, internet services and other communication facilities, arguing that the restrictions have isolated communities and prevented Kashmiris living abroad from maintaining contact with their families. The UKPNP also raised concerns over what it described as punitive measures against individuals, including their placement under Schedule IV, suspension or blocking of passports and identity documents, deactivation of SIM cards, restrictions on bank accounts, limitations on movement, arrests and alleged intimidation of activists and human rights defenders.

Khan said the party wants authorities to immediately disclose the whereabouts of all detained and reportedly missing individuals. It also demanded that detainees be allowed to meet their families and lawyers and receive necessary medical treatment, while being provided access to an independent and impartial judicial process.

The UKPNP further called for the release of people it said had been detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights. It also demanded the immediate return of the bodies of deceased protesters that it alleged were still being withheld by authorities, saying families should be allowed to conduct dignified funerals without intimidation or pressure.

The party has additionally called for independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detention and excessive use of force. It also sought inquiries into allegations involving the destruction or vandalism of homes, shops, businesses and private property, saying anyone found responsible for criminal acts should face accountability through credible and impartial legal proceedings.

The UKPNP said Pakistan, as a member of the United Nations and a party to major international human rights instruments, has an obligation to respect and protect fundamental rights. It urged authorities to restore freedom of movement, expression, peaceful assembly and association, along with access to communications, healthcare, legal assistance and essential services. The party also demanded the restoration of blocked passports, identity documents, SIM cards and bank accounts. It maintained that such documents and services should not be used as instruments of political pressure or retaliation against individuals exercising peaceful political rights. The allegations made by the UKPNP could not be independently verified from the information provided. The situation remains politically sensitive, with competing claims surrounding the protests, security measures and the treatment of civilians in the region.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.