Geneva
A protest against Pakistan was organized by political activists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to highlight the hardships faced by local residents. The protest took place during the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Banners with messages such as ‘Stop land grabbing occupying hilltops in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan’ were carried by activists from the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and Swiss Kashmir Human Rights.
Nasir Aziz Khan, the central spokesperson of the United Kashmir People’s National Party, stated that the main purpose was to draw attention to the suffering of the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. They demand ownership of natural resources and self-rule, as well as the abolition of illegal taxes on electricity bills imposed by Pakistan.
Additionally, the UKPNP organized an event at the John Knox Centre, where concerns were raised about the presence of terror camps in the region and the increasing rise of fundamentalism. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of UKPNP, emphasized the need to address terrorism, which disrupts efforts for peaceful coexistence. Sardar Asif, a human rights activist and member of UKPNP, condemned terrorism emanating from Pakistan and pledged to raise the issue at international platforms.
Despite their efforts, the silence of organizations like the United Nations concerns activists from PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. The regions under Pakistan’s occupation continue to struggle with basic human rights such as education, health, employment, and infrastructure development.
