Tasleema Akhter alleges human rights violations in PoJK at UNHRC

Socio-political activist Tasleema Akhter has raised allegations of severe human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Akhter reported that authorities in the region have engaged in extrajudicial killings, the detention of journalists and social activists, and the implementation of total internet shutdowns to suppress reporting. She stated that the administration has used violence against citizens demanding basic rights and access to essential goods. The unrest is reportedly linked to peaceful demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee against high electricity tariffs, food inflation, and poor governance.

Akhter called for the immediate release of all detained media personnel and activists, the restoration of internet services, and independent inquiries into civilian deaths. She urged the UNHRC to take responsibility for the situation and contrasted the instability in PoJK with economic and developmental progress in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.