New Delhi, Jul 18: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed serious concern over escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), urging Pakistani authorities to conduct swift, thorough and impartial investigations into deaths linked to recent police action ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for July 27.
In a statement, Türk called for restraint amid growing tensions, stressing the need to protect fundamental rights and ensure accountability for reported violence. According to the UN, dozens of people, including protesters and security personnel, have reportedly been killed since June during demonstrations related to the upcoming elections.
The UN human rights chief said all reported deaths must be investigated impartially and those responsible held accountable, irrespective of the identity of the victims.
Türk also voiced concern over Pakistan’s decision to ban the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition of traders, students, lawyers and civil society groups leading the protests. The organisation was proscribed under anti-terrorism laws, and several of its leaders have since been arrested.
He warned that the ban and arrests could undermine the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The detained leaders, he said, should be granted immediate access to legal counsel and their families, while due process and fair trial guarantees must be upheld.
The UN High Commissioner further criticised internet restrictions imposed in parts of PoJK, saying they hamper access to and dissemination of information during a politically sensitive period.
Calling for the restoration of full internet services across the territory, Türk urged Pakistani authorities to safeguard civil liberties and maintain peace in the run-up to the elections. (Agencies)
