Blockades, restrictions grip PoK amid brutal crackdown by Pak authorities
Athens, July 1
People in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are facing harsh punishment for holding protests to demand their constitutional rights, with Pakistani security forces subjecting them to "horrendous and gruesome" treatment, a report has stated.
Any government of the day is expected to provide basic facilities and ensure a dignified life for the people it governs, irrespective of the conflicting views. However, Islamabad has taken a hostile stance towards Kashmiris in PoK, disrupting the region's lifeline through road and administrative blockades, communication restrictions, and the destruction of livelihood, according to a report in Athens-based 'Directus.'
"The Islamabad government and Pakistan's military did not want Kashmiris to voice their concerns and sought to suppress the ongoing protests without holding any meaningful dialogue. They found an easy solution. Smother people. Crush their spirit. How? Stop their access to food, medicines, and social communication," it stated.
The report noted that Pakistan's army has exacerbated the situation by imposing a blockade, effectively sealing off the region through a series of coordinated restrictions. The blockade has triggered acute shortages of essential food commodities and life-saving medicines while severely disrupting local livelihoods, which are largely dependent on tourism.
"There are restrictions on news reporting, and the suspension of internet and satellite services has curtailed smooth dissemination of information about the ground realities. Yet, people in Kashmir have somehow managed to convey their plight to the world through social media and relatives based outside Kashmir. What is emerging is horrific. The Pakistani army appears to be trying to suffocate Kashmiris and crush their dissent by creating artificial food and medicine shortages," the report stated.
Videos circulating on social media show Kashmiris gathered near halted supply trucks and raising slogans against Pakistan.
"Food transport vehicles heading to Kashmir are being stopped by the Pak Army and not allowed to enter the region. The army has intensified pressure in Kashmir; even food supply deliveries are being restricted. Generals are trying very hard to repeat the history of Bangladesh," wrote Burhanuddin on X.
According to the report, Islamabad sealed the routes to the major cities of Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot in PoK, isolating the protesters from the rest of the region. It added that petrol pumps remained closed, while public transport services were suspended, bringing normal life to a standstill.
Citing international media reports, it said that markets across the occupied territory had run out of fresh vegetables and fruits, with ordinary people struggling to access essential ration supplies.
The report highlighted that vegetables are being sold at three to four times their normal prices as Pakistani security forces have allegedly prevented supplies from entering the region.
"We even tried bringing medicines from Rawalpindi in our own carrier vehicle, but the police did not allow us to enter Muzaffarabad, saying permission had not been granted," Directus quoted Abdul Majid Awan, a resident of Muzaffarabad, as saying.
It noted that paramilitary forces have been deployed across PoK, preventing people from obtaining food supplies, while CCTV footage allegedly showed security personnel conducting house raids and confiscating whatever supplies were left.
"The state is so broke that our army now raids homes in Kashmir, ransacking cabinets and taking from families already crushed by shortages," said sociology student Hasib Siddique.
— IANS
Reader Comments
😔 As an Indian, I feel for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters across the border. No government should starve its own people to suppress dissent. Pakistan needs to realise that you can't crush the spirit of Kashmiris with blockades - their resilience is legendary. We must support them through diplomatic channels.
I'm from Canada and this is deeply concerning. The international community has been silent on PoK for too long. We need independent observers to verify these reports. The denial of basic necessities like food and medicine is a violation of international humanitarian law. India should raise this at the UN.
While I agree this is terrible, we Indians should also reflect on our own record. Both countries need to stop using Kashmir as a political football. These are real people suffering - not pawns in a geopolitical game. The focus should be on humanitarian relief, not scoring political points. The world must act.
🙏 Praying for the people of PoK. This is exactly why Article 370 was abrogated in India - to ensure such military overreach never happens in our Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan calls India 'fascist' but look at their own actions. Blockading food trucks? Raiding homes? This is barbaric. We stand with Kashmiris for justice.
The strategic implications are clear. If Pakistan is destabilising its own controlled territory, it shows weakness. India should maintain a humanitarian corridor to provide aid to PoK - not as a political move but as a moral obligation. The world must hold Pakistan accountable for these war crimes against civilians.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.