Geneva, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kashmiri political leaders, international human rights defenders, journalists, civil society representatives and activists have condemned alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), raising concerns over reported extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and restrictions on fundamental freedoms at an international conference in Geneva.
The conference was organised by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) at the Geneva Press Club on the sidelines of the ongoing 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
According to the UKPNP, participants criticised reported abuses by Pakistani security forces in PoK, including communications blackouts, arbitrary detentions and allegations of excessive use of force. They also expressed solidarity with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and its peaceful movement for people’s rights in the region.
The UKPNP called for independent international investigations into reported violations, accountability for those responsible for unlawful killings, justice for victims’ families and the release of people it described as arbitrarily detained. It also urged the restoration of fundamental freedoms in the region.
The conference highlighted demands for democratic self-rule, ownership of natural resources, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, stability and the rule of law in the territory.
The UKPNP reiterated its opposition to terrorism, extremism, political violence and the use of PoK as a “weapon for geopolitical interests”.
The conference followed an address to the UNHRC on Monday by Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Representative of the African Development Association (ADA) and Chairman of the UKPNP, who expressed concern over reports of escalating repression by Pakistani authorities in PoK since June 5 this year.
Kashmiri cited reported deaths and injuries, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, restrictions on peaceful assembly, communications blackouts and what he described as the increasing militarisation of civilian life in the region.
He called for an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into the reported violations and urged the international community to press Pakistan to ensure accountability and protect civilians exercising their democratic rights.
“Peaceful dissent is not terrorism, and demanding rights is not a crime,” Kashmiri told the Council.
He urged Pakistan to end the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, release all individuals arbitrarily detained, establish the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, and restore unrestricted internet and mobile communications throughout PoK.
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