Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Burns As Indiscriminate Firing Kills Nine Civilians, Communication Blackout Deepens Crisis

International News: Public anger is growing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against alleged repression by the government and external security forces. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC) has expressed serious concern over the current situation and appealed to the international community for immediate intervention. Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a member of the committee's core team, stated that the peaceful public protest, which has been ongoing since September 29th, is being met with violent repression by the Pakistani government and alleged external forces.

PoK Bleeds Amid Total Blackout

He alleged that police and non-local personnel opened indiscriminate fire on unarmed protesters, killing at least nine civilians and injuring hundreds. He also claimed that three Azad Kashmir Police personnel were also killed in firing by outside forces.

Nazir alleged that mobile networks, internet, and landline services have been completely shut down across PoK since September 28th, cutting off millions of people from the outside world. Furthermore, the supply of essential goods, food, and fuel is being disrupted by sealing inter-provincial routes. Furthermore, the Pakistani government has completely shut down communication services throughout PoK since September 28th.

Millions cut off from the outside world

Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri stated that millions of people have been cut off from the outside world since September 28th due to the shutdown of mobile networks, internet, and landlines. Furthermore, inter-provincial routes are being blocked, creating shortages of essential commodities, food, and fuel. Cases are also being filed against JK-JAAC leaders, activists, and local journalists.

Violation of ICCPR along with human rights

Nazir called these actions not only a blatant violation of human rights, but also a violation of the United Nations Charter, the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

These conventions guarantee every person the right to life, liberty, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. Omar Nazir stated that their struggle is completely peaceful and constitutional, and is based on a 38-point charter of demands previously submitted to the government. In December 2024, the government promised to implement 12 of these points, but no action has been taken to date.

Violation of international law

He also stated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains a disputed territory under UN Security Council resolutions and is governed by institutions such as the President, Prime Minister, and Supreme Court under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act of 1974. Consequently, the violent suppression of peaceful protests by the Pakistani establishment and non-state actors not only violates the right to self-determination but also violates UN principles and the Geneva Conventions.

Nazir also targeted a section of the Pakistani media, saying it is misleading Pakistan's 250 million people and the international community by concealing the ground reality. The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is continuously deteriorating, and the anger of the people there is now openly surfacing.