New York Times Needles India Again, Prints Misleading Headline 'Pakistani Kashmir', India Rebukes By Saying 'Only PoK'

In earlier protest thousands of people were protesting against the illegal occupation by Pak army

India has strongly objected to The New York Times for describing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as “Pakistani Kashmir”, asserting that the terminology is misleading and incorrect.

The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, issued a sharp response, emphasising that there is no “Pakistani Kashmir” and that the territory in question is Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The embassy reiterated India’s long-standing position that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. It accused Pakistan of illegally holding onto parts of these territories and continuing to use violence against the occupied population.

Misleading and incorrect headline by @nytimes. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Pakistan has illegally occupied…

— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) July 29, 2026

The objection followed a report by The New York Times covering recent unrest and local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The report noted violent clashes in Mirpur between security forces and members of the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil rights group protesting alleged police excesses. According to the newspaper, at least two individuals died from gunshot injuries during the confrontations.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded an impartial inquiry into the fatal incidents. The New York Times highlighted that weeks of turbulence have led to multiple fatalities and disrupted the electoral process across the region.

It also cited claims by the Joint Awami Action Committee that several of its members were killed in police confrontations, though it clarified that these assertions could not be independently verified.

India has consistently maintained its sovereign jurisdiction over the entire region, underlining that both Union Territories form an inseparable part of the nation. The latest objection underscores New Delhi’s determination to challenge any narrative that undermines its territorial claims, particularly in international media.

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Balochistan Unrest: Body Bags And Lies

Last week was one of the bloodiest Balochistan witnessed in recent times. In just four days, the Pakistan army and other security forces operating under its command suffered at least 42 fatalities in a series of attacks by Baloch Sarmachars (Guerrillas) fighting for Independence that commenced on July 5.

While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dashed to Balochistan’s capital Quetta to assure families of the deceased that those responsible for these killings would be brought to justice, the Pakistan army quickly announced the commencement of a new air-and-ground offensive- Operation Shaban against Baloch freedom fighters.

According to Dawn, Pakistani security forces have since July 5, killed a total of 102 Baloch fighters with a whopping 64 killings being attributed to Operation Shaban alone, which is indeed an impressive achievement that supports Sharif’s assurance. This spectacular success also speaks volumes about the Pakistan army’s prowess. However, these statistics also spawn some very disconcerting thoughts.

Disturbing Questions

After its attacks that commenced on July 5, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters would have definitely taken basic preventive actions in anticipation of the inevitable retaliatory strikes by swiftly shifting bases, dispersing themselves and taking extra care to conceal their locations from ground and aerial observation.

As such, if the Pakistan army could still accurately identify the latest locations where Baloch fighters had taken refuge and eliminate 64 of them in just a matter of days as it claims, then it’s evident that they possess extraordinary surveillance capabilities. And if this is true, then why didn’t the Pakistan army launch Operation Shaban earlier and save many lives? Instead of being proactive, why does the Pakistan army wait for some major incident and only take concerted military action thereafter?

In April 2025, Field Marshal Asim Munir had boasted that “we will soon beat hell out of them (Baloch sarmachars).” As more than a year has since elapsed and armed Baloch groups continue to challenge government writ with impunity by frequently blocking highways, taking temporary control of places and attacking security forces at will, the next question that the people are now asking is- how long will the Field Marshal’s “soon” take?

The elimination of more than a hundred Baloch fighters by the Pakistan army almost immediately after having suffered a major military setback, though commendable, reminds one of a curiously recurring pattern. A major attack on security forces followed by spectacularly successful retaliation in which the casualties inflicted on the attackers is inexplicably always in excess of one-and-a-half times to even more than twice of what the security forces have suffered. Claim of having broken the back of armed Baloch groups and then silence till the next attack.

While this may be a sheer coincidence, casualty figures being contested by armed Baloch groups creates an element of doubt. It may be argued that these groups try and play down the number of their own fatalities to show that they are winning, and on the face of it, this explanation makes sense. However, a deeper analysis of the armed Baloch groups’ mindset throws up a very strong counter- argument.

The Dead Don’t Speak

The Pakistan army has a dubious record of staging extra-judicial killings and passing-off those murdered as terrorists just to cover up its military reverses, and this isn’t an unsubstantiated allegation.

Director General (DG) of Pakistan army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) had openly admitted this when asked about enforced disappearances in Balochistan during a media interaction in April in 2019. Readers would recall that he had then unashamedly said, “We don’t wish that anyone should be missing. But when it is war, you have to do a lot of (unpleasant) things- as they say, all is fair in love and war; war is very ruthless.” Any further proof required?

Killing to Save Face

Due to abject apathy of the international community, this vile practice continues unabated and one recent example is aftermath of the 2022 abduction and killing of serving Pakistan army officer Lt Col Laeeq Mirza Baig by BLA fighters in the Ziarat area Balochistan. Soon after Lt Col Baig was killed, ISPR announced that nine terrorists involved in his murder had been eliminated.

However, BLA outrightly rubbished ISPR’s claim by saying that all its fighters involved were safe. Its statement read, “Baloch Liberation Army takes utmost pride in its struggle and the martyrdom of our comrades during this struggle. BLA announces all martyrdoms of its members with great glory and honour. If any of our freedom fighters had lost their lives in this successful operation, we would have taken pride in making it public and paying rich tributes to them.”

This argument definitely makes sense, because besides official recognition and glorification of supreme sacrifice made by its fighters, BLA doesn’t have other incentive to motivate its rank and file. Since concealing names of its fighters killed in action would be tantamount to ignoring their “martyrdom” and adversely impact morale of its cadres, doing so is something any armed group can ill-afford.

That innocents were killed and passed off as BLA fighters by the Pakistan army in this case is also evident from the findings of the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB). Its post on social media states “5 bodies out of 9 have been identified & all 5 persons are registered enforced disappeared persons who had remained in the custody of forces for months & years.”

Amongst these so-called ‘BLA fighters’ there was an engineer who had been abducted in broad daylight from his office at Airport Road, Quetta in 2021 and a practicing physiotherapist abducted by the Pakistan army in 2022. The facts are in public domain but the Pakistan army remains beyond the reach of law.

Following the March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking, ISPR issued a statement declaring that 33 BLA fighters had been killed in this incident. Promptly rebutting this claim, BLA announced that it had lost only 13 fighters (including 5 Fidayeen from the Majeed Brigade). As it disclosed the identity of its deceased fighters and also released their photographs, it’s obvious that BLA proudly announced the martyrdom of their dead, and it would be absurd to believe that this group denied this honour to the remaining 20 deceased fighters by concealing their identities.

What makes the ISPR’s claim of 33 BLA casualties all the more suspicious is the fact that a week after the Jaffar Express hijacking incident, the Pakistan army dumped 23 dead bodies of “unidentified” militants in Civil Hospital Quetta, but refused to allow family members of those disappeared by security forces to identify them. And with the police secretly burying 13 of these unidentified bodies in Quetta’s Kasi graveyard at night, it’s absolutely clear that there’s much more than what meets the eye.

As dead men don’t talk and ISPR is adept in spinning yarns, it’s impossible to say for sure as to how many of the more-than-one-hundred killed by the Pakistani security forces in Balochistan are actually BLA fighters. With no one to hold their hands, the Baloch people are a forsaken lot, and to add to their woes, the Pakistan army is having a field day due to complete lack of accountability.

The Field Marshal’s complete reliance on employing force to intimidate the Baloch people into submission has only made them more defiant and his belief that he can “beat hell out of them” has created a worrisome situation. While Field Marshal Munir may blame India for instigating Baloch freedom fighters, the harsh reality is that by inflicting unbearable physical, mental and psychological trauma on the Baloch people, the Pakistan army itself is strengthening their resolve to fight for freedom.

Tailpiece: After the March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking incident, army chief Munir demanded that Pakistan be turned into a “hard state,” and in less than three months, Pakistan’s plaint government complied by passing the contentious Counter-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025 giving sweeping powers to security forces operating in the province. The bill criminalising enforced disappearances is however yet to see the light of day. Passed by Pakistan's National Assembly in 2021, it has not yet come into force, and God-fearing Field Marshal Munir has not uttered a word on the same.

But then, why should he? After all, how can Pakistan be a “hard state” if enforced disappearances are criminalised?

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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Amnesty Demands Probe Into Deadly Crackdown In PoK

Amnesty International has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the use of lethal force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during the first day of regional elections.

The organisation urged Pakistani authorities to restore communication services and allow media and independent observers access to the region.

Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, said the reports emerging from Rawalakot were consistent with Pakistan’s long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed that a prompt investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ actions.

Amnesty highlighted that the ongoing internet and mobile blackout was preventing independent verification of the situation. The organisation warned that so long as communication services remain suspended, the full extent of the crisis cannot be assessed.

Amnesty also criticised the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, arguing that the move had heightened tensions around the election. Lassee stated that weaponising anti-terror laws to silence and arbitrarily detain JAAC members and supporters was unlawful and unacceptable.

Reports indicated violence in Rawalakot and Kotli, where a political worker was killed during clashes between rival party supporters. JAAC claimed that 19 people were killed and dozens injured after security forces opened fire on protesters.

Media reports confirmed casualties but did not specify numbers. Amnesty noted that mobile internet services had remained suspended since 5 June. In the lead-up to the election, at least 40 people were reported killed, including 34 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel.

The unrest was linked to a 52-day-long protest movement demanding the release of detainees, withdrawal of cases against protesters, and acceptance of broader demands. Protesters denounced indiscriminate firing by Pakistani forces in Rawalakot as thousands prepared to march towards Muzaffarabad after talks between JAAC and authorities collapsed.

JAAC had set a deadline of 1 pm on 27 July for authorities to accept its demands, warning that failure would lead to a mass march. When no agreement was reached, thousands gathered in Rawalakot and began marching, prompting security forces to open fire.

Eyewitnesses claimed at least 14 people were killed and nearly two dozen injured during the crackdown. Imtiaz Aslam, a core member of the movement, released a video message stating that Pakistani forces had targeted protesters, killing several young people.

He named Usman Nazir, the younger brother of movement founder Omar Nazir Kashmiri, among the dead, along with others from Khaigala, Kotli, Tattapani, Banja-Baspoor, Chhota Gala, Haveli, and two Baloch supporters. JAAC claimed that the total number of people killed between 5 June and 28 July had risen to 67, vowing to continue the movement.

Protest leaders accused authorities of manipulating the electoral process to influence outcomes, undermining democratic institutions, and restricting dissent through arrests, intimidation, and heavy security deployment.

The unrest spread to Mirpur after the Rawalakot violence, with reports alleging that Pakistani forces opened fire on civilians during fresh protests. Several protesters were reportedly killed. These developments coincided with the first phase of polling across 13 constituencies in the Mirpur Division, which was marred by violence and allegations of poll rigging in Kotli.

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India Exposes Pakistan’s Systemic Repression In PoK At UNSC

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, delivered a strong statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Strengthening the Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.

He accused Pakistan of systematically suppressing the basic rights and freedoms of Kashmiris in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, drawing attention to the long-standing repression in the region.

Ambassador Harish emphasised that the world has witnessed the continued denial of freedom of expression and association in PoK. He described these violations not as isolated incidents but as part of a deliberate design by the Pakistani establishment that has persisted for nearly eight decades. His remarks underscored the entrenched nature of the repression and its impact on the people of the region.

He extended his criticism beyond PoK, pointing to the broader pattern of repression within Pakistan itself. He highlighted the incarceration of political leaders, including a former Prime Minister, the outlawing of the main opposition party, and what he termed a constitutional coup by the military through the 27th Amendment. These actions, he argued, have destroyed any semblance of democracy in Pakistan.

Ambassador Harish urged Pakistan to focus inward and address its domestic challenges rather than resorting to fabricated narratives laced with religious imagery. He accused Islamabad of attempting to mislead the wider UN membership with divisive rhetoric aimed at scoring political points at home.

He noted that while similar developments in other countries are often condemned by the United Nations, Pakistan’s actions have not received the scrutiny they deserve.

He criticised Pakistan for misusing the UNSC platform to advance its divisive agenda. Reiterating India’s consistent position, he declared that Jammu and Kashmir has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. He stressed that this is the constitutional and legal reality, which Pakistan deliberately ignores.

Ambassador Harish concluded by stating that the only outstanding issue regarding Jammu and Kashmir is Pakistan’s naked aggression and illegal occupation of India’s sovereign territory.

His remarks reinforced India’s longstanding stance that Pakistan’s attempts to internationalise the issue are baseless and designed to distract from its own internal failures.

The intervention came against the backdrop of increasing global concern over democratic backsliding in Pakistan, where the military’s influence has grown significantly. Analysts have noted that the 27th Amendment, which consolidated military power, has been widely criticised as undermining civilian governance.

Reports of human rights violations in PoK, including restrictions on media, curbs on political activity, and arbitrary detentions, have further drawn international attention to the situation.

India’s statement at the UNSC highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of Pakistan’s domestic and regional conduct. By linking the repression in PoK to broader authoritarian trends within Pakistan, Ambassador Harish sought to expose the systemic nature of the problem and challenge Islamabad’s attempts to deflect criticism through propaganda.

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United Nations Condemns Pakistan’s Crackdown In PoK

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for 27 July.

He urged Pakistani authorities to exercise restraint, protect fundamental rights, and ensure accountability for the violence that has already claimed dozens of lives since June.

The UN statement highlighted that both protesters and members of the security forces have been killed during demonstrations linked to political unrest. Turk insisted that impartial investigations must be carried out into all reported deaths, and accountability must be ensured regardless of whether the victims were civilians or law enforcement personnel.

The High Commissioner criticised Pakistan’s decision to ban the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee under anti-terrorism laws. This organisation, which represents traders, transporters, students, lawyers and civil society activists, has been at the forefront of the protest movement. Its leaders were arrested following the ban, raising concerns about the suppression of democratic voices.

The UN warned that criminalising a civil society movement and imposing sweeping restrictions on public gatherings undermines fundamental freedoms. Turk stressed that such measures violate the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, which are protected under international human rights standards.

He called for detained leaders of the JKJAAC to be granted immediate access to legal counsel and their families. He emphasised that their rights to due process and a fair trial must be respected fully, warning that failure to do so would deepen mistrust and instability in the region.

The High Commissioner also condemned restrictions on internet access across parts of PoK. He noted that communication blackouts disproportionately affect the right to freedom of expression, preventing people from seeking, receiving and sharing information during a period of heightened tension. The UN urged authorities to restore full internet connectivity without delay.

The appeal comes at a time when the region is already under intense scrutiny from international watchdogs. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously criticised Pakistan’s heavy-handed tactics in PoK, pointing to arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, and restrictions on political participation. These concerns have grown sharper as the July 27 elections approach, with fears that the polls may be conducted under conditions that deny citizens their basic rights.

The UN’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the crisis and the need for Pakistan to align its actions with international obligations. The call for calm and accountability reflects growing international pressure on Islamabad to halt repression and allow democratic processes to function without intimidation or violence.

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BNM Accuses Pakistan of Military Crackdown And Displacement In Gwadar

The Baloch National Movement has accused the Pakistani state of intensifying military operations in Balochistan’s coastal Jiwani region, alleging that the campaign is aimed at erasing local communities. 

The organisation claimed that residents have been cut off from essential supplies and subjected to widespread rights violations. Reports indicated that Jiwani town and nearby villages in Gwadar district have been under heavy military restrictions for nearly a week, with strict controls on movement disrupting the supply of food, medicines and other necessities.

The BNM alleged that five people died while in custody during the operation and that more than sixty individuals had been forcibly disappeared. It further claimed that several homes in the Panwan area were demolished and hundreds of families displaced as security forces expanded their presence.

The organisation argued that the intensified deployment is linked to the strategic importance of Jamri town and surrounding areas, which lie close to key maritime routes and are increasingly significant in regional geopolitical competition.

According to the BNM, authorities are attempting to clear local populations from locations considered strategically vital. It alleged that military operations launched in response to attacks by Baloch armed groups have resulted in severe restrictions on civilians, including limits on movement, access to healthcare and other essential services.

The organisation highlighted that similar measures have been implemented in other parts of Balochistan, particularly near major infrastructure projects and economic corridors, where communities have faced arrests, displacement and military operations in recent years.

The BNM urged the United Nations, the European Union, neighbouring countries and international human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in the region. It called on them to press Pakistan to uphold international human rights obligations.

The organisation argued that the situation in Gwadar reflects a broader pattern of militarisation across Balochistan, where local populations are increasingly marginalised in the name of strategic and economic interests.

Independent observers have noted that Gwadar’s strategic location at the mouth of the Arabian Sea has made it a focal point for both Pakistan’s security establishment and international stakeholders. The port city is central to the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship program under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Analysts argue that the growing militarisation of surrounding areas reflects both Pakistan’s attempt to secure infrastructure projects and the intensifying insurgency by Baloch armed groups who view such developments as threats to local autonomy.

The allegations of displacement and rights violations in Jiwani add to a long list of grievances voiced by Baloch nationalist organisations. Human rights groups have repeatedly documented cases of enforced disappearances, custodial deaths and restrictions on civilian life in the province.

The BNM’s latest statement underscores the deepening crisis in Balochistan, where the clash between strategic imperatives and local demands for rights and recognition continues to escalate.

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Is Asim Munir Loses Grip Over Balochistan?

Pakistan’s grip over Balochistan has weakened dramatically, with human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch claiming that 85% of the province is outside state control and that a 5,00,000-strong rebel force is preparing to expel Pakistani troops by year-end. General Asim Munir’s military leadership is under severe strain, facing coordinated insurgent attacks, Chinese pressure over CPEC security, and mounting domestic criticism.

Mir Yar Baloch’s assertion that Pakistan has lost control of most of Balochistan underscores the scale of the crisis. He warned that a massive rebel force is ready to drive out Pakistani troops, signalling a potential escalation that could fundamentally alter the region’s political and security landscape.

The claim comes amid intensifying turmoil in Balochistan. In recent weeks, coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have killed dozens of soldiers and police officers.

Militants stormed a police outpost at Mangi Dam in Ziarat, killing 27 police officers and 11 soldiers, and later abducted and executed 18 personnel. These attacks have been described as some of the deadliest in recent years, exposing deep vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s security apparatus.

General Asim Munir has responded with urgency. He reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum to his intelligence chiefs, demanding they “control Balochistan or pack up.” This ultimatum reflects the desperation within Rawalpindi, where the military is scrambling to reassert authority.

The Pakistan Army has since launched “Operation Shaban,” a sweeping offensive involving airstrikes and ground operations across the province. Official reports claim over 100 separatist fighters have been killed, though human rights groups accuse the military of targeting civilians and carrying out enforced disappearances.

The crisis is compounded by external pressure. China, heavily invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has grown increasingly frustrated with attacks on its engineers and projects in Gwadar.

Beijing has reportedly threatened to halt funding and deploy its own security forces if Islamabad fails to secure the corridor. For Pakistan’s military elite, the prospect of foreign boots on the ground is a nightmare scenario, highlighting the geopolitical stakes of the conflict.

Domestically, criticism of Munir’s leadership is mounting. Politicians and activists argue that repeated failures have eroded the state’s writ, with some describing Pakistan as a “hard state” turning into a “failed state.” Former parliamentarian Bushra Gohar questioned why no accountability has followed the catastrophic lapses, while others accuse the military of meddling in politics instead of focusing on its constitutional role.

The unrest in Balochistan is not only a military challenge but also a political and social one. Rebels accuse Islamabad of exploiting the province’s vast natural resources—gas, gold, and minerals—while neglecting local development. This grievance has fuelled decades of insurgency, and the current escalation suggests that Pakistan’s strategy of force alone may be unsustainable.

If Mir Yar Baloch’s prediction of a rebel takeover materialises, Pakistan could face the most serious territorial crisis since its creation. The combination of insurgent strength, Chinese pressure, and domestic discontent places General Asim Munir in an unenviable position, with his grip over Balochistan appearing weaker than ever.

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Protests In PoK Stem From Systemic Exploitation, India Urges Global Accountability For Pakistan: MEA

India has strongly asserted that the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the inevitable outcome of decades of systemic exploitation, denial of rights and administrative mismanagement by Pakistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that Islamabad has chosen to respond with excessive police brutality rather than addressing the genuine grievances of the local population.

He stated that the protests are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s long-standing policies of exploitation and forcible occupation. The denial of fundamental rights and the imposition of arbitrary administrative measures have created deep resentment among the people. Instead of engaging with their demands, the Pakistani authorities have resorted to violent suppression, further aggravating the crisis.

Jaiswal underlined that the international community must hold Pakistan accountable for these egregious abuses. He expressed India’s expectation that global institutions and governments will recognise the seriousness of the situation and act against Islamabad’s misdeeds.

The protests have escalated into massive anti-Pakistan demonstrations across PoK. Reports confirm that more than 600 civil rights activists have been arrested in sweeping crackdowns. The arrests have targeted political organisers, community leaders and ordinary citizens, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s heavy-handed tactics. The watchdog accused the authorities of deliberately suppressing peaceful dissent ahead of the regional elections in PoK. Amnesty highlighted that the designation of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a proscribed organisation was unlawful and disproportionate. It described the ban as a direct assault on freedom of association and political activism.

The organisation criticised the Pakistani government for attempting to silence legitimate voices through arbitrary bans and violent measures. Amnesty argued that such actions violate international human rights standards and undermine democratic processes. It warned that the suppression of JAAC and other groups is part of a broader pattern of curtailing political freedoms in the region.

As tensions rise ahead of the regional polls, activists and watchdog groups continue to pressurise the international community to hold Islamabad accountable. They argue that Pakistan’s actions not only erode fundamental freedoms but also destabilise the region. Calls for international intervention have grown louder, with demands for independent investigations into the arrests and the excessive use of force.

The situation in PoK reflects a deep crisis of governance and legitimacy. Pakistan’s reliance on coercion rather than dialogue has fuelled anger among the population. The protests are not isolated incidents but part of a long history of resistance against systemic exploitation. The crackdown has only reinforced perceptions of Pakistan’s disregard for human rights and democratic norms.

India’s position is that the protests are a natural consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long policies. The demand for accountability is now being echoed by international organisations, civil society groups and activists.

The unfolding events in PoK highlight the urgent need for global attention and action to prevent further abuses and to ensure that the voices of the people are heard.

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Two Brothers Found Killed In Balochistan After Accusations of Custodial Killings by Pakistani Forces

Two brothers from Mand in Balochistan’s Kech district have been foundTwo brothers who had reportedly gone missing after allegedly being detained by Pakistani security personnel were later found dead in Balochistan’s Kech district. The incident has sparked outrage among residents and human rights organisations, who described the deaths as custodial killings.

The victims were identified as Imam and Muhammad Umar, sons of Muhammad Ilyas, hailing from Shaban Bazaar in Mand. According to The Balochistan Post, both men worked as labourers in the Kuntani area of Jiwani. On the day of the incident, they were returning home to Mand on a motorcycle when they stopped near Balicha Cross after running out of fuel.

Local witnesses claimed that Pakistani security forces detained the brothers at the spot. Their family later received their bodies through local police, with both reportedly bearing gunshot wounds. The sudden deaths shocked relatives and residents, who questioned the circumstances under which the men were killed.

Funeral prayers were held before the brothers were buried in their ancestral graveyard in Soro, Mand. The community expressed grief and anger, demanding clarity on how the men lost their lives. Local sources emphasised that the brothers were civilians returning from work, not militants.

Before the victims were formally identified, several social media accounts supportive of the Pakistani military circulated claims that two suspected militants had been killed during an operation in the area. However, residents later identified the deceased as Imam and Muhammad Umar, rejecting the militant narrative and insisting they were ordinary labourers.

Pakistan’s military and government authorities have not issued any official statement addressing the allegations surrounding the detention or deaths of the brothers. The silence has further fuelled suspicions and criticism from rights groups and activists.

Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, condemned the incident as an extrajudicial killing. The organisation demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability if the allegations are verified.

This case adds to a growing list of similar incidents in Balochistan, where families allege their loved ones were taken into custody and later found dead. Rights organisations have repeatedly warned that such practices deepen mistrust between the state and Baloch communities, while perpetuating cycles of violence and instability in the province.

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'Take Off Your Uniform': Fazlur Rehman Challenges Asim Munir On Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa And Political Role

A prominent Pakistani religious and political figure Maulana Fazlur Rehman has sharply criticized the country’s military, accusing it of exceeding its constitutional authority, interfering in politics, and failing to reassert government control in violence-plagued Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, News18 reported.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman has delivered one of the sharpest rebukes of Pakistan’s military establishment in recent months, accusing Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces of losing control over Balochistan and meddling in politics.

Speaking at a rally in Qasur, Punjab, the veteran politician and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief declared that the military had overstepped its constitutional role and challenged Munir to shed his uniform and contest elections if he wished to play a political role.

Rehman rejected Munir’s recent appeal for civilians to stand alongside the army in its fight against militant groups. He argued that defending the country was the military’s constitutional responsibility and that civilians should not be asked to wage battles that soldiers are paid to fight.

He said, “Your youth wear the uniform for this very purpose. They are paid salaries to defend the country’s security. Why do you throw the favour of your blood on me?”

He painted a grim picture of Pakistan’s security situation, claiming the state had steadily lost control over large parts of Balochistan and that violence had now engulfed Pashtun-majority regions as well. He declared that “the entire Baloch region had slipped out of Pakistan’s control” and warned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was now drowning in blood, citing more than fifty bodies received in just two or three days.

Rehman criticised the military’s strategy of asking civilians to confront armed groups, warning that such policies would deepen social divisions and create generational vendettas. He said the armed forces were pushing the homeland toward murder and plunder, leaving behind cycles of personal vendettas that would last for generations.

He accused the military of repeatedly stepping into domains reserved for elected institutions, stressing that parliament, government departments, and the army each had their own boundaries.

He insisted that the army should remain within its own sphere of authority and not interfere in politics. He reminded the military leadership that they too were Pakistanis and brothers, but must respect constitutional limits.

Rehman reserved some of his sharpest criticism for what he alleged was the military’s long-standing role in shaping governments. He argued that the armed forces had taken it upon themselves to decide who should govern and who should be removed, and insisted that if they wished to rule, they must face the voters directly.

He said, “If you want to do politics, then take off the uniform and come; participate in the elections, and it will become clear what votes people give to those in uniform.”

His remarks amount to a direct challenge to Munir’s authority and revive the long-running debate over the military’s role in Pakistan’s politics and internal security.

They also highlight the growing frustration among mainstream political figures over the army’s dominance in governance and its failure to restore stability in violence-hit regions.

Agencies

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Five Baloch Men Found Dead In Jiwani Amid Allegations of Enforced Disappearances And Extrajudicial Killings

The recovery of five bodies from the Panwan and Ganz areas of Jiwani has reignited allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.

Relatives and rights groups have asserted that at least four of the victims had been missing for months before their remains were discovered, intensifying criticism of Pakistan’s security forces.

The military has claimed that the deceased were armed militants killed during a security operation following a vehicle-borne attack by the Baloch Liberation Army’s Majeed Brigade on a Pakistan Coast Guard camp in Panwan. This official narrative has been strongly contested by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, activists, and family members, who insist the men had documented histories of enforced disappearance.

The victims were identified as Abdul Haq, Peeri son of Assa, Shah Bakhsh son of Umar, and Haider Ali Mohammad, while the fifth body remains unidentified. BYC stated that Peeri and Shah Bakhsh were taken from their homes in Robar on 7 January and remained missing until their bodies were recovered. 

VBMP highlighted that Haider Ali Mohammad’s family had staged a protest outside the Gwadar deputy commissioner’s office in August 2025 demanding his release. Abdul Haq, principal of Memar-e-Nau Academy in Gwadar, had himself been missing since February.

Rights groups noted Abdul Haq’s personal tragedy, as he was the younger brother of Mohammad Ramzan Baloch, who allegedly disappeared in 2009. Abdul Haq had spent years supporting his brother’s family while campaigning for justice. VBMP has demanded an independent investigation into what it described as his extrajudicial killing.

BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch remarked that the incident reflected a continuing pattern of enforced disappearances followed by the recovery of mutilated bodies. BNM chairman Dr Naseem Baloch emphasised that Abdul Haq had devoted his life to educating children despite repeated setbacks. Sabiha Baloch accused authorities of misleading the family with repeated assurances of his release, deepening the sense of betrayal among relatives.

The discovery of these bodies has added to the growing list of cases in which families allege their loved ones were abducted and later found dead, fuelling demands for accountability and international scrutiny. 

The persistence of such incidents underscores the deep mistrust between Baloch communities and the state, with rights organisations warning that the cycle of disappearances and killings risks further destabilising the province.

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Pakistani Forces Open Fire On Peaceful Rally In Muzaffarabad

Police brutality in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir intensified on 5 July as security forces clashed with demonstrators in Muzaffarabad.

The protests were triggered by Islamabad’s sweeping arrests of more than 600 civil rights activists, including leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee. Reports confirmed shelling, firing and violent confrontations across several parts of the city.

According to information shared by the JAAC, Pakistani forces resorted to shelling in Muzaffarabad, damaging motorcycles belonging to young protesters. Tear gas shells were fired by police and Pakistan Rangers as demonstrations continued. Clashes were reported from Mank Piyan, Sangi Mera, Tareeqaabad, Lower Chhatra and Beila Noor Shah, with separate accounts confirming intense shelling and firing in Lower Chhatra.

Tensions escalated sharply when one person was killed and several others injured after Pakistan Rangers opened fire on protesters. The PTI’s PoK unit corroborated this account, stating that security forces had used live ammunition against civilians. The JAAC also confirmed that one person was killed and several critically injured as Pakistani forces attempted to disperse peaceful demonstrators with firing and shelling.

Thousands of people, including women, children and the elderly, gathered at Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium in Abbaspor as part of a wider protest movement. They demanded basic rights and the release of detained leaders, including JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir.

The JAAC reported that caravans of protesters continued to reach the sit‑in site in Rawalakot, while demonstrations spread across other parts of PoK. Members of the Kashmiri diaspora staged protests in Auckland, New Zealand, demanding the release of detained activists.

The mobilisation followed a series of heavy‑handed actions by Pakistani authorities. On 30 June, the JAAC had sharply criticised Islamabad after a political delegation led by opposition leaders was stopped from entering PoK, describing the move as further evidence of suppression of democratic rights and dissent. Activists stated that Pakistani forces were using drones to surveil sit‑in protests, prompting local leaders to call for a boycott of the local elections scheduled for 27 July.

The JAAC urged participants to carry white flags and maintain peace during demonstrations, insisting that the campaign remained non‑violent despite the crackdown. PoK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza claimed that more than 600 JAAC workers and activists had been detained following the arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir. He warned that the situation was worsening by the hour, with mass arrests continuing across the region.

Global watchdog Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan’s heavy‑handed tactics ahead of the upcoming regional elections. Amnesty accused authorities of deploying violent measures to suppress peaceful dissent and violating fundamental human rights. It criticised the unlawful designation of the JAAC as a proscribed organisation, labelling the ban a disproportionate attack on freedom of association and peaceful activism. International pressure continues to mount against Islamabad as the crisis deepens.

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Anti-Pakistan Protest By Kashmiris And Pashtuns Draws Thousands In London

Thousands of Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom took part in the London Kashmir Million March on Sunday, beginning at Parliament Square and proceeding to the Pakistani High Commission.

The demonstration was organised to protest alleged human rights violations in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to demand the release of detained political activists. Organisers estimated that around 50,000 people joined the march, making it one of the largest diaspora protests in recent years.

The protest was not limited to Kashmiris alone. Members of the Baloch and Pashtun communities also joined, highlighting abuses committed by the Pakistan Army in their own regions and expressing solidarity with the people of PoJK. Their participation underscored the shared grievances of multiple ethnic groups against Islamabad’s policies and military actions.

Protesters chanted pro‑freedom slogans throughout the march and condemned the arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir, head of the Joint Awami Action Committee, along with other political leaders. They described the detention of Kashmiri activists as a direct assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, demanding their immediate release. The crackdown on political dissent was a recurring theme in speeches and slogans.

Speaking outside the Pakistani High Commission, Mahmood Kashmiri, a political activist from PoJK, accused Pakistani forces of committing violence against civilians in Tattapani, Sehnsa and Kotli. He declared that Kashmiris across the world were uniting to oppose what he described as oppression in the region. He emphasised that British Kashmiris had gathered in large numbers to raise their voices internationally against Pakistani forces.

Mahmood Kashmiri urged Pakistan to honour its agreements and grant the people of PoJK their rights. He warned that if the ruling class continued to massacre Kashmiris, global communities and those within Azad Kashmir would stand firm against the oppressive system. He insisted that the people would reclaim the rights that had been taken away by the rulers of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

He also demanded the return of the bodies of Kashmiri youths allegedly taken into custody by Pakistani authorities and called for the release of detained youth. He vowed that Kashmiris would never surrender to oppression and would continue their peaceful struggle against tyranny and injustice. His remarks resonated strongly with the crowd, reinforcing the determination of the diaspora to sustain pressure.

The demonstration took place against the backdrop of continuing unrest in PoJK following protests that began on 5 June. Organisers noted that the agitation intensified after several local protesters were killed in firing by Pakistani security forces. Since then, multiple leaders and activists associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee have been arrested, fuelling allegations that the crackdown on dissent is ongoing.

Organisers explained that the London Kashmir Million March was intended to express solidarity with victims of unrest in PoJK and to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights abuses. They appealed to the international community to take note of what they described as continued repression of Kashmiris in the territory. The march was thus both a show of diaspora unity and a call for global intervention.

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Baloch Also Joins Kashmiri Activists In London March Against Pakistan

Baloch political and human rights activist Aomar Karim joined the London Kashmir Million March on Sunday, emphasising the need for unity among Baloch, Kashmiri and Pashtun communities to confront human rights violations in Pakistan.

The march began at UK Parliament Square and proceeded to the Pakistani High Commission in London, drawing hundreds of protesters who demanded an end to abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called for the release of political activists.

During the demonstration, Karim strongly condemned the arrest of Joint Awami Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir. He described the detention of Kashmiri activists as an assault on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He carried a banner highlighting the plight of Baloch leaders and members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, demanding their release.

The banner featured Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee, both sentenced to life imprisonment, alongside Bebow Baloch, Bebarg Zehri and Gulzadi Baloch, who remain in detention. 

Karim stressed that the struggles of the Baloch and Kashmiri people were interconnected, declaring that their pain and their adversary were the same. He urged communities to stand together and raise their voices against Pakistan’s violations in both Balochistan and Kashmir.

Karim appealed to Baloch, Kashmiri and Pashtun communities to strengthen cooperation and continue highlighting their concerns on international platforms. He argued that a united voice would build greater pressure for justice and accountability.

Members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement joined the march alongside Kashmiri activists, reinforcing the collective demand for the release of political prisoners, respect for fundamental freedoms and an end to alleged abuses.

Karim underlined the importance of such demonstrations, saying they provide a vital platform for communities affected by conflict and repression to express solidarity. He insisted that whether in Balochistan, PoJK or the Pashtun regions, the demand remained the same: respect for human rights, justice and freedom. He called for mutual support to ensure the international community hears their voices.

The march concluded outside the Pakistani High Commission in London, where demonstrators urged the international community to increase pressure on Pakistan over alleged violations and the detention of political activists. The event highlighted the growing cooperation among marginalised communities and their determination to seek justice through peaceful mobilisation.

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Massive Protest Call In PoK As Khawja And JAAC Slam Pakistan’s Tyranny

Crowds gathered in Rawalakot on 4 July to hear Advocate Mehrah Khawja deliver a fiery speech condemning the Pakistani Army for the cold-blooded killing of civilians. Khawja declared that no law authorises the Army to kill anyone and criticised the leadership for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue, urging them to step down.

He appealed to the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom to organise a massive protest on 5 July to draw international attention to Pakistan’s actions.

Khawja lamented the loss of lives, saying the blood of innocents was on the hands of those responsible. He called on Kashmiris overseas, from Birmingham to London, to raise their voices against tyranny. He accused Pakistan of exploiting the region’s resources and now resorting to killing its own people instead of addressing grievances.

He urged people across several cities to take to the streets, close shops and chowks, and demonstrate solidarity. Large crowds were seen gathered to hear him speak.

In his remarks, Khawja doubled down on his criticism of the Army for killing civilians, highlighting the skyrocketing prices of basic amenities and the shutting down of internet services in the region. Meanwhile, a viral video circulating on social media exposed the brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The video carried a message from Sardar Aman Khan, a core member of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), urging people across PoK, Kashmir, Ladakh, Poonch and Rajouri to support the protest call for 5 July.

Sardar Aman Khan’s message addressed communities across Srinagar, Baramulla, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Jammu, Ladakh, Kargil, and Gilgit Baltistan. He described the oppression faced by the people of PoK, noting that food and medicine supply routes had been closed and even basic survival was being questioned by the authorities.

He appealed for solidarity, urging people to come out and raise their voices against cruelty and injustice. He emphasised that the protest was essential to demand fundamental rights and resist military aggression.

Earlier, on 30 June, the JAAC had sharply criticised Pakistani authorities after a political delegation led by opposition leaders was stopped from entering PoK. The committee described this as further evidence of suppression of democratic rights and political dissent.

It alleged that restrictions extended beyond political movement, with food supplies obstructed and access to the region curtailed, exposing the government’s approach toward the people of PoK. Reiterating its position, the JAAC insisted its campaign was a peaceful movement focused on securing fundamental rights and vowed not to surrender despite continued oppression.

The ongoing protests are exposing the conduct of the authorities before audiences in Pakistan and internationally. The JAAC urged supporters to remain steadfast, insisting that peaceful demonstrations would continue until demands were met.

The public outcry coincides with severe global pushback against Islamabad’s handling of dissent. Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan’s heavy-handed tactics ahead of upcoming regional elections in PoK, accusing authorities of deploying violent measures to suppress peaceful dissent and unlawfully designating the JAAC as a “proscribed organisation.”

Amnesty labelled the ban on JAAC a disproportionate attack on freedom of association and peaceful activism. As tensions rise ahead of the regional polls, activists and watchdog groups continue to pressure the international community to hold Islamabad accountable.

Activists allege that Pakistan has created an economic blockade, preventing food supplies from entering the region and halting travel. Pakistani forces are reportedly using drones to surveil sit-in protests. PoK activists have also called for a boycott of the local elections scheduled for 27 July, intensifying the confrontation between the people and the authorities.

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