The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a 'catastrophic human rights crisis' in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for urgent international intervention against alleged atrocities by Islamabad. The appeal comes amid reports of civilian deaths, a communications blackout, and a physical blockade that the party says has been in place since 5 June.

Drone Attacks and Civilian Casualties

In a post on X, UKPNP spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan alleged that Pakistani paramilitary forces have deployed advanced tactical drones and live ammunition against unarmed crowds, resulting in more than 24 civilian deaths and leaving hundreds with severe, life-altering injuries. He said that local hospitals have been heavily occupied by paramilitary personnel, reportedly forcing injured civilians to avoid seeking medical treatment out of fear of arbitrary arrest.

Khan further alleged that authorities had enforced a complete blackout of mobile networks and internet services across the region, while border blockades have cut off essential food supplies — including wheat flour — and emergency medical aid.

UN Appeal Filed on 26 June

According to the UKPNP, the party, together with the Swiss Kashmir Human Rights Commission (SKHRC), submitted an urgent appeal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 26 June, detailing what they described as a brutal crackdown on peaceful civilians by Pakistani authorities.

The two organisations have jointly called for an immediate independent UN Fact-Finding Mission to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings and lift what they term the 'illegal blockade' of PoK. The UKPNP stressed that the international community 'cannot remain silent.'

Humanitarian Impact on Civilians

The UKPNP painted a stark picture of the humanitarian toll, alleging that the siege has placed the lives of millions of Kashmiris under immediate threat. In its statement, the party said: 'The vulnerable are denied care: injured individuals, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic health conditions are being turned away. Infants are at risk: Routine check-ups have collapsed, and babies are unable to receive critical vaccinations. Maternal care is halted: Pregnant women facing severe complications are cut off from medical attention, endangering both their lives and their unborn children.'

The party also condemned the federal government of Pakistan for allegedly barring federal and Senate opposition leaders from entering PoK — a move it said compounds the information blackout.

Demands for International Access

The UKPNP called on Pakistani authorities to grant unhindered access to Rawalakot and other affected areas to the United Nations, international observers, human rights watchdogs, and the international press. It also demanded accountability for those responsible for deploying excessive force against demonstrators, stating: 'Peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right; peaceful protesters cannot be labelled as terrorists or criminals. Those responsible for deploying excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and committing crimes against humanity must be brought to justice.'

This is the latest in a series of escalating allegations against Pakistan over its conduct in PoK, and comes at a time of heightened diplomatic scrutiny of Islamabad's internal security operations. Whether the UN or major powers respond to the UKPNP-SKHRC appeal will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.