Geneva, Dec 17 (NationPress) The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has vehemently criticized the extensive load shedding, alarmingly low electricity voltage, and the ongoing deterioration of internet and mobile services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The party demonstrated solidarity with the residents during a shutter-down strike in the Rawalakot area of Poonch district.

In a statement on X, UKPNP spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan remarked, “The area has endured severe load shedding, low voltage electricity, and subpar internet and mobile connectivity for several months. Daily existence has become intolerable for the common populace.”

“UKPNP expresses grave concern and categorically denounces the actions of local authorities and Islamabad, where appointed officials wield unchecked authority without accountability,” he continued.

The party reported that citizens throughout PoK have engaged in “peaceful” demonstrations for their fundamental rights for over two and a half years, united under the Joint Awami Action Committee.

“Instead of heeding democratic pleas, violent force was employed against peaceful demonstrators in an effort to suppress the movement. Three individuals lost their lives in May 2024 in Muzaffarabad, followed by twelve fatalities in October 2025. In conjunction with this violence, disinformation, misleading narratives, and falsehoods were intentionally disseminated to tarnish the reputation of the people's rights movement,” stated the UKPNP.

Despite the repression, the party noted that both Islamabad and Muzaffarabad were ultimately confronted with the necessity to concede to several demands from the Joint Awami Action Committee.

The UKPNP accused local authorities of collectively punishing the populace, emphasizing that numerous regions in PoK endure several hours of daily load shedding, while the Poonch area experiences 15 to 20 hours of power outages, in addition to dangerously low voltage electricity, intentionally decreased internet speeds, and failing mobile networks.

“Millions of Kashmiris abroad struggle for hours to connect with their families. Due to extended power outages, sluggish internet, and inadequate mobile services, many are entirely unable to reach their loved ones,” the party remarked.

The UKPNP has urged that all commitments made by the Government of Pakistan and local authorities be fulfilled and that agreements reached under public pressure be implemented without delay.

The party has called upon the United Nations, the European Parliament, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the broader international community to take serious notice of these restrictions and punitive measures in PoK, warning that continued silence will only empower the repression by Pakistani authorities and exacerbate the humanitarian and political crisis faced by the individuals in PoK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan.