PoK human rights abuses: UKPNP urges UN probe into Pakistani forces
Synopsis
The UKPNP has escalated its appeal to the United Nations, alleging that Pakistani forces have killed dozens of civilians, disappeared hundreds more, and imposed a sweeping communications blackout in PoK since June 5. With families unable to locate detained relatives and bodies reportedly withheld, the group is demanding an independent UN monitoring mission — a request Pakistan has yet to publicly address.
Key Takeaways
The UKPNP on 18 August urged the UN to send an independent fact-finding mission to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) .
Dozens of civilians have reportedly been killed and hundreds arrested or detained since 5 June , according to the UKPNP citing JAAC and international media reports.
The group alleges extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and destruction of property by Pakistani forces .
A continuing communications blackout — covering mobile networks, internet, SIM cards, and bank accounts — has reportedly isolated PoK communities from their diaspora.
The UKPNP demanded the immediate return of protesters' bodies it claims are being withheld, and the unconditional release of those detained for peaceful protest.
Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations; independent verification remains difficult due to reported media access restrictions.
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on 18 August called on the international community and the United Nations to urgently intervene over what it described as mounting human rights abuses by Pakistani forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The group cited reports of civilian deaths, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and communication blackouts that have allegedly intensified since 5 June this year.
Key Allegations Against Pakistani Forces
The UKPNP said allegations include extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detention, excessive use of force, and the destruction of homes, shops, and private property. Citing information shared by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and international media reports, the group stated that dozens of civilians have lost their lives since June, while hundreds have reportedly been arrested or detained. Several families, it added, are still seeking information about loved ones who were allegedly forcibly disappeared during protests.
The UKPNP stated: 'Allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detention, excessive use of force, and destruction or vandalism of homes, shops, businesses and private property must be independently investigated. Those responsible for criminal conduct must be held accountable through credible and impartial legal processes.'
Communication Blackouts and Civilian Isolation
The group raised particular alarm over what it called a continuing communications clampdown in PoK, saying restrictions on mobile networks and internet access have 'isolated communities and left millions of diaspora Kashmiris unable to communicate with their families.' It demanded the immediate restoration of mobile networks, internet services, SIM cards, identity documents, and blocked bank accounts in the region.
The UKPNP also called for the protection of freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, access to legal representation, healthcare, and essential services — rights it argued are being systematically curtailed.
Demands Placed Before Pakistan and the UN
The UKPNP urged Pakistan — as a UN Member State and a party to major international human rights instruments — to immediately halt the 'excessive and lethal use of force' against peaceful protesters and civilians. It demanded that all detained persons be given access to their families, lawyers, and medical assistance, and that those held solely for exercising fundamental rights be released without conditions.
Notably, the group also demanded the 'immediate and unconditional return' of the bodies of protesters it claimed are still being withheld by Pakistani authorities, stating that 'families must be allowed to conduct dignified burials without coercion, intimidation or conditions.'
Call for Independent UN Fact-Finding Mission
The UKPNP urged the United Nations to urgently deploy an independent fact-finding and human rights monitoring mission to PoK to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, media access restrictions, collective punishment, and property destruction. The group has not specified whether a formal communication has been submitted to UN human rights bodies, and Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.
This comes amid a broader pattern of periodic unrest in PoK, where civilian protests over governance, taxation, and civil liberties have repeatedly drawn a heavy security response in recent years. Independent verification of the claims remains difficult given the reported restrictions on media access in the territory.
Point of View
Particularly as it positions itself on global human rights forums. The demand for a UN fact-finding mission is unlikely to be accepted by Islamabad, but the request puts pressure on multilateral bodies to at least acknowledge the situation. What mainstream coverage often underplays is the role of the communications clampdown as a rights violation in itself — not just a logistical inconvenience, but a tool that prevents accountability from taking root.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UKPNP and why is it raising concerns about PoK?
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) is a political organisation advocating for the rights of Kashmiris in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It has raised concerns about alleged human rights abuses — including killings, disappearances, and a communications blackout — by Pakistani forces in the territory, urging the UN and international community to intervene.
What human rights violations are being alleged in PoK?
The UKPNP, citing the Joint Awami Action Committee and international media, alleges extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention, destruction of property, and a communications blackout in PoK since 5 June. Dozens of civilians are reportedly killed and hundreds detained, though independent verification remains difficult.
What has the UKPNP demanded from the United Nations?
The UKPNP has urged the UN to urgently deploy an independent fact-finding and human rights monitoring mission to PoK to investigate allegations of killings, disappearances, torture, media restrictions, and collective punishment. It has also called on Pakistan to restore communications and release detained protesters.
Has Pakistan responded to these allegations?
Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the UKPNP's allegations as of 18 August. The UKPNP has noted that Pakistan, as a UN Member State and party to international human rights instruments, has obligations to protect fundamental rights in territories under its control.
Why is independent verification of the PoK situation difficult?
Reported restrictions on media access and the ongoing communications blackout — covering mobile networks and internet services — have made it extremely difficult for journalists and independent observers to verify conditions on the ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
