Amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the United Kashmir People’s National Party, has drawn the attention of the international community to human rights abuses by Pakistani forces in the region. The UKPNP has expressed grave concern over reports of civilian deaths and injuries, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and communication blackouts. It also raised concerns over restrictions on movement and punitive measures against peaceful political activists and human rights defenders.

 

The group said the extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detention and excessive use of force should be independently investigated. It also called for investigations into the destruction and vandalism of homes, shops, businesses and private property. The UKPNP urged the United Nations and the international community to press Pakistan to immediately end the excessive and lethal use of force against peaceful protesters and civilians.