UKPNP urges UNHRC probe into human rights violations in PoJK
Synopsis
UKPNP's Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan urged the UNHRC to investigate alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and a crackdown on the JAAC people's rights movement.
United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) central spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to investigate alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including reported extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Speaking during the 63rd session of the UNHRC in Geneva under Agenda Item 8, Khan raised concerns over the reported crackdown on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and its people's rights movement since June 5, 2026. His intervention was delivered on behalf of the NGO “Coup de Pousse” Chaîne de l’Espoir Nord-Sud (C.D.P-C.E.N.S).
Calls for Investigation into Civilian Deaths
Referring to the principles outlined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, Khan called for independent and transparent investigations into the reported deaths of civilians, including Shahzaib Habib, Fahad Barkat, Usman Nazir and Osama Jamil.
Khan also alleged that authorities have withheld the bodies of some deceased civilians, adding that the families of the victims continue to seek their return. He specifically highlighted the case of 25-year-old Fahad Barkat, who, according to the intervention, was killed at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalakot while attempting to donate blood. Khan said Barkat's parents have been seeking the return of his body for funeral rites.
Restrictions and Humanitarian Concerns
Addressing the situation in Rawalakot, Khan alleged that security restrictions, blockades and communication disruptions have affected civilian life and access to essential services. He called for the restoration of freedom of movement and communication and urged that humanitarian assistance reach affected communities without obstruction.
Demand for Release of Detainees
Khan further called for the release of JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir and other individuals allegedly detained in connection with the movement. He also urged authorities to disclose the whereabouts of missing persons, return withheld remains to families and provide compensation to relatives of victims.
Appeal for UN Fact-Finding Mission
Concluding his intervention, Khan appealed to the UNHRC to urge Pakistan to uphold its international human rights obligations and facilitate an independent UN fact-finding mission to investigate the reported violations and assess the humanitarian situation. He said greater international attention was needed to protect the rights, dignity and lives of civilians in the region. (ANI)