PoJK erupts in unrest as activist accuses Pakistan of political manipulation
Scotland, June 12
Political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza has sharply criticised Pakistan's handling of the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging widespread human rights violations, political manipulation, and violent suppression of protests in the region.
Mirza stated that the latest wave of demonstrations was triggered by demands to abolish 12 reserved refugee seats in the PoJK Legislative Assembly.
According to him, these seats are occupied by refugees residing in different parts of Pakistan and have little connection with the political affairs of PoJK. He alleged that the seats are used by Pakistan's military establishment to influence the region's electoral outcomes.
The protests intensified after authorities announced general elections for July 27 without addressing the demonstrators' demands.
A region-wide strike called on June 9 reportedly drew large crowds, following which security forces were deployed across PoJK.
Mirza described the deployment as an "invasion" and alleged that security personnel opened fire on unarmed protesters.
He claimed that more than 200 people had been killed, including children, and accused authorities of conducting raids, arbitrary arrests, and looting homes during operations in several towns.
The activist further condemned the reported ban on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a prominent civil society movement involved in the protests.
He argued that Islamabad chose repression over dialogue because PoJK is treated as a "colony" rather than a self-governing region.
Highlighting broader grievances, Mirza alleged that PoJK suffers from economic exploitation and restrictions on freedom of expression.
He pointed to legal requirements that compel candidates for public office and government employment to endorse Pakistan's position on PoJK, describing the practice as a violation of democratic rights.
According to Mirza, the widespread shutdown across PoJK reflects growing public anger against Pakistan's policies.
He claimed that public sentiment has shifted dramatically, with increasing calls for self-determination and resistance to Pakistani state control.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a classic case of a military dictatorship crushing civil dissent. The fact that 200+ people have been killed and they're banning civil society groups is alarming. The world needs to pay attention to what's happening in PoJK.
Heartbreaking to hear about children being killed. 😢 Pakistan uses PoJK as a bargaining chip against India while treating its own people like second-class citizens. The requirement to endorse Pakistan's stance for jobs is basically forced loyalty. Kashmir's future should be decided by Kashmiris, not by Islamabad's guns.
While I sympathize with the protesters, I'm skeptical about the claim of 200 deaths without independent verification. But the pattern of repression is undeniable. If Pakistan truly wanted peace, they'd allow free expression in PoJK instead of treating it as a colony.
Time for India to demand a UN-monitored plebiscite in PoJK. If people there are protesting against Pakistan's rule, Islamabad can't claim to represent them. The refugee seats are a clever trick—import voters to dilute the voice of locals. This is no different from how Pakistan operates in its own provinces.
I feel for the people of PoJK, but let's be honest—India's own record in Kashmir isn't spotless either. We can condemn Pakistan while also asking our government to ensure better human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. Still, this unrest shows Pakistan's hypocrisy on "Kashmir freedom".
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.