Kashmiri political leaders, international human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists on Tuesday, 29 September strongly condemned Pakistan over escalating human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at a high-profile conference held at the Geneva Press Club. The event took place on the sidelines of the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

Conference Organised by UKPNP

The gathering was convened by the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), which brought together a broad coalition of voices to spotlight what participants described as a systematic crackdown on civilian rights in the occupied territory. According to the UKPNP, participants sharply criticised reported extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, communications blackouts, and allegations of excessive use of force by Pakistani security forces in PoK.

The conference also expressed solidarity with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and its peaceful people's rights movement operating within the region.

Key Demands Placed Before the International Community

During the proceedings, the UKPNP formally called for independent international investigations into the reported violations and demanded accountability for those allegedly responsible for unlawful killings. Participants urged the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, justice for victims' families, and the full restoration of fundamental freedoms across PoK.

The conference further highlighted long-standing demands for democratic self-rule, civilian ownership of natural resources, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in the territory. The UKPNP reiterated its explicit opposition to terrorism, extremism, and political violence, and criticised what it described as the use of PoK as a 'weapon for geopolitical interests.'

UKPNP Chairman Addresses the UNHRC

On Monday, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Representative of the African Development Association (ADA) and Chairman of the UKPNP, addressed the UNHRC session directly, expressing grave concern over reports of escalating repression by Pakistani authorities in PoK since 5 June this year.

He cited deaths, injuries, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, restrictions on peaceful assembly, communications blackouts, and what he described as the increasing militarisation of civilian life in the occupied territory. Kashmiri called for an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation into the reported violations, urging the international community to press Pakistan to ensure accountability and protection for civilians exercising their fundamental democratic rights.

'Peaceful dissent is not terrorism, and demanding rights is not a crime,' Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri told the Council.

Specific Demands Directed at Pakistan

Kashmiri called on Pakistan to immediately 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. These demands echo calls made by international human rights organisations that have previously flagged deteriorating civil liberties in the region.

This is not the first time PoK's human rights situation has been raised at a UN forum, but the timing — amid reports of intensified crackdowns since June — has lent fresh urgency to the international advocacy effort. With the UNHRC session ongoing, observers will watch whether member states take up the call for a formal investigation mechanism.