Opinion | Demand for Liberation in POK: Intervention of the International Community Against Human Rights Violations in POK

It is time for the international community to take action, to stand up for the people of POK, and to support their rightful demand for liberation.

When we talk about Kashmir today, the conversations often revolve around the political complexities and historical struggles. But there’s a part of the story that often gets overlooked, a part of Kashmir that has been under the control of Pakistan for decades—Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, or POK, as we know it. The people of POK have been suffering under oppression and the harsh control of Pakistan for far too long. It’s a story of struggle for basic human dignity, rights, and the desire for liberation. Over the years, their calls for freedom have grown louder. And now, as the human rights violations in POK continue to escalate, the demand for international intervention has never been more urgent.
The people of POK have faced unimaginable suffering under Pakistan’s regime. Their voices have been silenced, their rights stripped away, and their very existence minimized by a government that sees them only as pawns in a geopolitical game. The people of POK—comprising different ethnic groups, religions, and communities—are living in constant fear. Fear of speaking out, fear of being persecuted, and most of all, fear of their future. Pakistan’s occupation of the land is a source of misery for the people who live there, and their demand for liberation from this oppressive rule is growing by the day. Life for the people of POK is not just about surviving day by day—it’s about enduring a long legacy of oppression. Pakistan, which claims to be the guardian of the people of Kashmir, has shown its true face through decades of exploitation. The reality in POK is a stark contrast to the rhetoric used by Pakistan to justify its control. Instead of nurturing the people of POK, Pakistan has done everything it can to stifle their progress, suppress their voice, and strip them of their autonomy.
In POK, there is no political freedom. The people are denied the right to self-governance and are subjected to a puppet government imposed by Pakistan. Political leaders in POK are either bought off or silenced by force. The residents of POK have no real representation in their own governance. Their leaders, if they dare to oppose the regime, are imprisoned, disappeared, or even killed. The Pakistani authorities don’t allow any political dissent; they do everything to ensure that the voices calling for freedom are muted. The irony, however, is that the same Pakistan that claims to support the Kashmiri people’s cause is the very one that deprives them of the freedom to speak, express, and decide their future.The situation is not just about politics; it’s about basic human dignity. Pakistan has systematically denied the people of POK access to the resources and opportunities they need to build a better life. Education, healthcare, infrastructure—these are all subpar, and despite the claims of Pakistan, the quality of life for the people in POK continues to worsen. The very resources that should have been used for the development of the area are often redirected to military spending, serving Pakistan’s interests rather than the well-being of the people.Even worse, the human rights situation in POK is deplorable. The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies have a tight grip on the people’s lives, using fear and intimidation to control every aspect of their existence. Extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests are all part of the grim reality that the people of POK face daily. Pakistan’s heavy-handed approach to governing POK has created a climate of fear where no one dares to speak out, knowing the severe consequences they will face. The right to free speech is a distant dream, and those who dare to challenge the status quo are met with violence and oppression.
The Growing Demand for Liberation
Over the years, the people of POK have had enough. They’ve had enough of being treated as second-class citizens in their own land. They’ve had enough of Pakistan’s oppressive rule and the endless suffering it has caused. Today, the demand for liberation is stronger than ever. People in POK, as well as those who have been forced into exile, are speaking out. Their voices are united in their desire to be free from Pakistan’s control, to have the right to determine their own future without interference from Islamabad.The desire for liberation is not just political; it’s deeply rooted in the basic human right to live in dignity and freedom. The people of POK want to live in peace, free from violence and repression. They want to live in a society where they have access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. They want to be part of a democratic system where their voices are heard and their rights are respected. These are not demands for anything extraordinary—these are basic rights that every human being is entitled to. The people of POK simply want the freedom to live their lives on their own terms, without the heavy hand of Pakistan stifling their every move.
The demand for liberation has found a strong voice not only within POK but also among the Kashmiri diaspora across the world. Exiled Kashmiris, many of whom have experienced firsthand the brutality of Pakistan’s occupation, have become powerful advocates for the liberation of POK. They have raised their voices on international platforms, calling for justice and greater awareness about the human rights violations taking place in POK. They have worked tirelessly to expose the truth about Pakistan’s oppression and to garner international support for the people’s cause. It is clear that the situation in POK cannot continue unchecked. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people who have been living under Pakistan’s harsh rule for so long. Human rights organizations around the world, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented the abuses and violations taking place in POK. The international community must hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and ensure that the people of POK are given the opportunity to live in freedom and dignity. The United Nations, as well as other international bodies, should take immediate steps to address the ongoing human rights violations in POK. This is not a matter of political games or diplomatic maneuvering—this is a matter of human rights, justice, and the very future of the people living under Pakistan’s control.
The world cannot afford to remain silent while atrocities continue to take place in POK. It is time for the international community to step in, demand accountability from Pakistan, and support the aspirations of the people of POK for liberation and self-determination. Countries with influence, particularly those in the West, must take a stand and use their diplomatic leverage to push for an end to Pakistan’s human rights abuses in POK. Pressure must be applied to ensure that Pakistan respects the rights of the people living in the territory it controls, and if necessary, international interventions should be considered to stop the systematic violations taking place.
In the end, the struggle for liberation in POK is about more than just political control. It is about the fundamental right of every human being to live with dignity, freedom, and justice. The people of POK have long endured oppression, exploitation, and abuse at the hands of Pakistan. Their demand for liberation is not just a desire to break free from an occupying force; it is a cry for justice, peace, and a better future. The world must listen to their voices, stand by their side, and help bring an end to the human rights violations taking place in POK. The people of POK deserve a future where they are free to chart their own course, where their rights are respected, and where they can live in peace. It is time for the international community to take action, to stand up for the people of POK, and to support their rightful demand for liberation. Only then can there be true justice and freedom for the people of POK, and for Kashmir as a whole.
Writer can be reached on : tahirloneabc1983@gmail.com