Why is the World Silent on the Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir?

Escalating Tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

New Delhi: The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is deteriorating rapidly, with neither the demonstrators nor the authorities showing any intention to relent. The directive from Pakistan's top military leader, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is unequivocal: suppress the protests with force. This aggressive response has revealed a troubling silence from international human rights organizations.

Recent reports from PoK have unveiled alarming incidents, including the arrest of 1,500 individuals under anti-terrorism laws. Pakistani security forces have reportedly opened fire on women and children, and the bodies of men killed in these confrontations are being withheld from their families.

Officials indicate that these human rights violations are escalating daily.

Typically vocal about issues in Jammu and Kashmir, the global community and human rights advocates have remained conspicuously quiet regarding the situation in PoK.

One official described the ongoing events in PoK as a severe violation of human rights, contrasting this with the outcry from these groups during the abrogation of Article 370 and the crackdown on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite appeals from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to the international community and human rights organizations, there has been a deafening silence, the official noted.

Another official pointed out that this silence suggests a network of digital platforms, Western lobbies, and regional figures prioritizing Islamabad's geopolitical narrative over the rights of the PoK populace.

The unrest in PoK began when the Pakistani government failed to deliver promised reforms to the region.

The JAAC, a coalition of traders, lawyers, and civil society members, is spearheading the protests, demanding economic relief, political autonomy, and a reduction in the extravagant privileges enjoyed by government officials.

While the establishment assured dialogue with the JAAC, it simultaneously banned the group under anti-terrorism laws on June 5, effectively branding civilian organizers as enemies of the state.

In addition, the government has restricted internet and mobile services in the area, and local media outlets have been silenced.

To suppress the protests, the state police have been replaced by heavy contingents of the Punjab Rangers.

On June 7 and 8, the Rangers opened fire on protesters in Rawalot, resulting in the deaths of 30 civilians.

Disinfo Lab, a research group focused on information warfare, has raised questions about the silence of global think tanks and NGOs that advocate for Kashmiri self-determination.

These organizations are quick to share updates about civil rights in Jammu and Kashmir but have remained silent on the events in PoK. Disinfo Lab noted the lack of response from these groups regarding the violence on June 7 and 8.

International advocacy accounts such as @standwithkashmir and @wka_kashmir have primarily focused on anti-India narratives throughout June, neglecting the documented deaths in PoK and failing to express solidarity or report on the human rights crisis.

Organizations like the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, which operates in PoK, appear compromised.

Furthermore, Western organizations linked to the Ghulam Nabi Fai network, including the Kashmiri American Council and Pakistan House, have also remained silent about the June events.

According to Disinfo Lab, these entities are built on a narrative framework that challenges Indian sovereignty while portraying Pakistan as a defender of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials assert that addressing the PoK situation would undermine their lobbying efforts and jeopardize their support systems.

Interestingly, some prominent political figures of Kashmiri origin have chosen to delegitimize the PoK protesters rather than condemn the violence. None have called on Asim Munir to halt the hostilities and human rights violations.

Mushaal Hussein Malik, a notable political figure and former advisor to the Pakistani government, finally spoke out, but not to condemn the civilian deaths in Rawalot. Instead, she urged the JAAC protesters to disband, labeling the protests as a political conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region.

Officials remarked that these advocacy groups have historically focused on Jammu and Kashmir, using the plight of its people as leverage against New Delhi.

These organizations are aware that since the abrogation of Article 370, conditions for Kashmiris have improved, with a decline in separatism and a boost in tourism, which seems to displease these international advocacy groups.