UN enraged over PoK violence, UN reprimands Pakistan, demands impartial investigation into deaths and release of JAAC leaders

The United Nations (UN) has now taken very strong cognizance of the severe public unrest in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) over basic rights and food crisis and has blasted the repressive policies of the Pakistan government at the international level. Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) in Geneva, has issued an official statement expressing deep concern over the atrocities being carried out against civilians under the guise of law and order, just ahead of the upcoming local elections in the disputed region. The United Nations has given strict instructions to Pakistan and strongly demanded an immediate, thorough and completely impartial judicial inquiry into the deaths of dozens of innocent protesters and security personnel killed in violent action by security forces since June. Human Rights High Commissioner furious at declaring civil organization as terrorist: Expressed concern over violation of fundamental rights. The United Nations has taken a very sharp stand on the action of banning and confiscating its property imposed by the Pakistani government under anti-terrorism laws on the ‘Joint Awami Action Committee’ (JAAC), which is leading the people’s movement democratically in the entire region. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk clearly stated that criminalizing this prestigious civic organization of businessmen, transporters, students, lawyers and social workers and imposing repressive restrictions on public meetings is a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of democratic association. The UN has bluntly demanded that all the top jailed JAAC leaders should be immediately provided legal aid and allowed to meet their families and their fair trial should be ensured. Ultimatum to Pakistan on digital blackout: United Nations said – immediately restore internet services completely. The United Nations has also expressed deep displeasure over the digital restrictions imposed by Pakistani agencies in the entire region to prevent the news of the public rebellion raging in PoK from reaching the outside world and global media. The statement clearly states that the arbitrary restrictions imposed on mobile and broadband internet services in the region are against international civil rules and are also severely affecting local health and emergency services. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has given an immediate ultimatum to the Pakistani authorities, saying that internet services should be completely restored in the entire region without any delay. Along with this, he also called for starting a meaningful and inclusive political dialogue for logical solution to the real administrative complaints and problems of the local people. Bloody clashes in Mirpur and humanitarian plea to India: ‘Huge shortage of ration, help us New Delhi’ Despite the brutal action of Pakistani security forces, the protests have become more violent across PoK, where during the complete bandh in many major parts including Mirpur district on the call of JAAC, there have been bloody face-to-face clashes between the police and the general public, in which hundreds of civilians including dozens of policemen have been left bleeding. Addressing a rally amid this unrest, senior JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan made an emotional appeal in front of the global media to send humanitarian aid directly to the Indian government. Completely dismantling Pakistani propaganda, local leaders alleged that the Islamabad government has deliberately created a huge artificial shortage of food, flour and essential life-saving medicines in the region, due to which there is a situation of starvation and now they are left to rely only on India’s help.