Opinion | The Plight of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

“The plight of the people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir cannot be ignored any longer. The protests and demands for justice underscore the urgency of addressing the atrocities committed against them”.

The people of PoK have endured decades of mistreatment, being treated as second-class citizens under the forceful occupation of Pakistan since 1948. One of the biggest threats to PoK is the wealth of natural resources available in the Pakistan’s occupation of PoK has not only deprived the people of their freedom but has also resulted in the exploitation of these resources for Pakistan’s gain. The administration’s actions have hindered the economic development of PoK, leaving its people in a state of perpetual impoverishment. Despite the promises made by the Pakistani administration, the people of PoK continue to be denied the freedom and rights they rightfully deserve. The administration labels them as anti-Pakistan and anti-Islam, further marginalizing their voices. The people of PoK yearn for the opportunity to improve their economic condition and reclaim what truly belongs to them. The plight of the people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir cannot be ignored any longer. The protests and demands for justice underscore the urgency of addressing the atrocities committed against them. It is time for the international community to step up and support the people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in seeking human rights and a better future. The world must unite to ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard and injustice be stopped. Not in POK but entire Pakistani population faces atrocities in every part of the country. Pakistan has a long history of military rule. The first military coup took place in 1958, and since then, the country has been ruled by military dictators for a significant portion of its history. The military has justified its interventions by claiming that it is necessary to protect the country from internal and external threats. However, the reality is that military rule has resulted in the suppression of democracy and the erosion of basic rights. Under military rule, citizens of Pakistan have seen their basic rights stripped away. These include the right to free speech, the right to assembly, and the right to a fair trial. The military has also targeted journalists and human rights activists who speak out against their policies. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where citizens are afraid to speak out against the government. Moreover, the military has created a parallel system of justice, where military courts operate outside the traditional legal system. These courts have been used to try civilians on trumped-up charges, denying them the right to a fair trial. In addition, the military has also used extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.
Basic rights are essential to the functioning of a democracy. Without them, citizens are unable to hold their government accountable and participate in the political process. Moreover, basic rights protect individuals from abuse of power and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law. In Pakistan and in POK , the erosion of basic rights has had a detrimental effect on the country’s democracy. Citizens are unable to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, and the media is heavily censored. This has created a culture of fear and intimidation, where dissent is not tolerated. To protect basic rights and promote democracy in Pakistan, there is a need for reform in the military and government. The military must be held accountable for its actions and brought under civilian control. The occupied territory pf Kashmir must handed over to India back.
Furthermore, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions. Reform must also address the root causes of human rights violations in Pakistan. This includes addressing the grievances of minority groups and improving access to justice. Only through meaningful reform can Pakistan become a country that upholds the basic rights of its citizens. Pakistan needs to work for promoting transparency and accountability in government institutions, protecting basic rights, and ensuring that the military is held accountable for its actions. The United Nations human rights office has raised serious concerns about the abuses committed by state security forces and armed groups in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The office’s report emphasizes the need for Pakistan to take clear steps in addressing and implementing the recommendations made in previous reports. However, Pakistan have failed to do so. There are human rights violations in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, including restrictions on freedom of expression and association, institutional discrimination against minority groups, and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to target political opponents and activists. Journalists face threats for their work, and enforced disappearances are a significant concern. Victim groups allege the involvement of Pakistani intelligence agencies in these disappearances.
Writer can be reached on: syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com

The views expressed in the piece are the writer’s personal opinions. Global Kashmir News does not endorse any individual’s personal viewpoint.