India Urges Review of Outdated UN Mediation Frameworks, Reaffirms J-K As Internal Matter

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, has called for a comprehensive review of outdated mediation frameworks under Chapter VI of the UN Charter.

He made these remarks during an Arria‑formula meeting of the UN Security Council, which is an informal and flexible gathering of Council members. His intervention came while also firmly rejecting Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as an attempt to politicise the forum.

In a post on X following the meeting, Parvathaneni confirmed that he had delivered India’s statement at the session on “Bridging the Implementation Gap: UNSC Resolutions and Maintenance of International Peace and Security.” He emphasised the distinct nature of Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the UN Charter, underlining their different applicability in international peace and security contexts.

He explained that Chapter VII is designed to undertake concrete actions when firm pathways exist to re‑establish peace in situations involving threats to peace, breaches of peace, or acts of aggression. He warned that non‑implementation of such measures could have immediate consequences, leading to further deterioration of peace and serious repercussions, which run contrary to the principles of multilateralism and international law.

Turning to Chapter VI, Parvathaneni noted that it offers wide‑ranging options to address situations that may endanger peace and security. These include negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, while also taking into account any bilateral procedures already adopted by the parties concerned.

He stressed that such interventions are not perpetual in validity and must be reviewed in line with changing circumstances and contexts.

He cited the Palestine issue as an example, pointing out that mediation frameworks have constantly evolved to reflect the shifting realities of the conflict. He argued that there is an undeniable case for reviewing outdated mediation frameworks, and that assuming perpetual applicability of Chapter VI interventions is fundamentally flawed.

Parvathaneni further highlighted that member states are already undertaking mandate implementation reviews under the UN80 framework for General Assembly mandates to achieve efficiencies. He questioned why Security Council mandates should remain outside the scope of such reviews, insisting that they too must be subject to scrutiny under the UN80 framework.

Responding to Pakistan’s representative, Parvathaneni criticised the conduct of a co‑Chair expected to be balanced and unbiased, saying it was incredible that such a role had been used to politicise the forum.

He reiterated India’s consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir is strictly an internal matter of India, stating unequivocally that the Union Territory always has been, is, and will remain an integral part of the country.

The Indian envoy’s remarks underscored New Delhi’s broader push for reform within the UN system, particularly in ensuring that mediation frameworks and mandates remain relevant to contemporary realities.

His intervention also reinforced India’s rejection of Pakistan’s attempts to internationalise the Jammu and Kashmir issue, aligning with India’s longstanding position that the matter is not subject to external mediation.

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Frankenstein State Shocked By Its Own Terror Monsters: India’s First Secretary Anupama Singh Rebukes Pakistan At UNHRC

India’s First Secretary at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Anupama Singh, delivered a sharp rebuttal against Pakistan during the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

She described Pakistan as a “Frankenstein state” that is now shocked by the consequences of its own policies, accusing Islamabad of nurturing and deploying terrorism while falsely portraying itself as a victim.

Exercising India’s right of reply during the Interactive Dialogue on the UN High Commissioner’s annual report, Singh rejected Pakistan’s allegations against India and criticised its repeated attempts to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at international forums.

She highlighted the paradox of Pakistan’s Defence Minister openly boasting about hosting, training and deploying terrorists as state policy, while the country simultaneously claims to be a victim of terrorism.

Singh categorically dismissed Pakistan’s allegations as baseless and malicious, stressing that they were designed to divert attention from its own internal challenges and poor record on terrorism. She also rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, accusing Pakistan of misusing its role as OIC Coordinator to reinforce propaganda and deception.

Reiterating India’s longstanding position, Singh asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. She emphasised that the only unresolved issue is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Indian territories and the need for their return.

The Indian diplomat drew attention to the worsening situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging widespread repression and human rights violations. She referred to recent unrest in Rawalakot, describing the killing of hundreds of civilians and the brutal crackdown across PoJK as the predictable outcome of a system built on forcible occupation and sustained through repression.

Her remarks coincided with reports of a June 14 security operation in Rawalakot, where security forces dispersed protesters staging a sit-in at the Eidgah site. According to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, the operation left at least two people dead and several injured. The group also alleged communication disruptions and restrictions on the movement of essential supplies following the crackdown.

India maintained that Pakistan’s repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir cannot alter the reality of the region’s status. Singh accused Islamabad of attempting to divert global attention from developments in territories under its control, particularly the ongoing unrest and human rights violations in PoK.

She underscored that Pakistan’s narrative was a deliberate attempt to mask its domestic failures and its entrenched support for terrorism.

India’s intervention at the UNHRC reinforced its consistent position that Pakistan’s actions and rhetoric expose its duplicity. By invoking the metaphor of a “Frankenstein state,” Singh sought to underline the dangers of Pakistan’s long-standing policy of nurturing extremist forces, which now threaten its own stability and credibility on the international stage.

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'J-K Was, Is And Will Always Remain Inalienable Part of India', Says First Secretary Anupama Singh Highlights Rawalakot Crackdown, Rejects OIC Remarks At UN

India has delivered a sharp rebuttal at the UN Human Rights Council, rejecting Pakistan and OIC references to Jammu and Kashmir, while highlighting Pakistan’s repression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), including the recent crackdown in Rawalakot.

First Secretary Anupama Singh described Pakistan as a “Frankenstein State” that nurtures terrorism and now faces its own consequences.

India strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations and references to Jammu and Kashmir made at the 62nd Session of the UNHRC in Geneva. First Secretary Anupama Singh exercised India’s right of reply, dismissing both Pakistan’s and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s remarks as baseless and malicious.

She accused Pakistan of using propaganda to deflect attention from domestic failures and its continued sponsorship of terrorism.

Singh reiterated India’s consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She emphasised that the only unresolved issue is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Indian territories and their return. India categorically rejected the misuse of the OIC Coordinator’s role, describing it as deceptive and designed to reinforce false narratives.

She drew attention to the deteriorating situation in PoJK, particularly Rawalakot, where protests have intensified. Singh described the “ongoing tragedy” as the killing of hundreds of civilians and a brutal crackdown across the region.

She noted that decades of military land grabs, demographic engineering, and denial of basic freedoms have created conditions where demands for bread, electricity, rights, and dignity are met with bullets and brutality.

Her remarks coincided with reports of a security operation in Rawalakot on 14 June. According to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), Pakistani security forces dispersed a sit-in at the Eidgah site, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries.

One of the deceased was identified as Naeem Ameen of Islam Pura, Phalian in Palandri. The group alleged excessive force, heavy shelling, and disruption of communication services, leaving the city in fear and uncertainty. Restrictions on food and essential supplies worsened shortages in several areas.

India highlighted that Pakistan’s propaganda cannot obscure the reality of repression in PoJK. Singh accused Islamabad of paradoxically portraying itself as a victim of terrorism while its Defence Minister openly boasted of hosting, training, and deploying terrorists as state policy. She described Pakistan as a “Frankenstein state shocked when its own monster bites back.”

India also questioned Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that it defies logic for a state exporting terror to demand privileges of cooperation based on goodwill. Singh asserted that the treaty, negotiated in 1960, is outdated and cannot remain frozen in time despite profound changes over six decades.

India concluded by urging Pakistan to put its own house in order instead of coveting Indian territories. Singh said Pakistan’s seasonal theatrics at international forums have lost relevance, and its repression in PoJK exposes the illegitimacy of its occupation.

Alternative Headline:

India Rebukes Pakistan And OIC At UNHRC, 

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Unrest In Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir

by Nilesh Kunwar

The Façade

Islamabad wants the world to believe that the illegally occupied part of J&K under its control is the epitome of freedom and prosperity, and to keep up this façade, it refers to Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) as ‘Azad (free) Kashmir’. Keeping up appearances is a costly affair, but Pakistan's Kashmir obsession is so intense that despite being cash strapped it doesn’t think twice when it comes to paying to keep its ‘Azad Kashmir’ falsehood alive.

In July 2011, Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Pakistani-American who was running an organisation called Kashmiri American Council (KAC) was arrested for conspiracy and tax evasion. US Attorney Neil MacBride told the court that "Mr. Fai is accused of a decades-long scheme with one purpose – to hide Pakistan's involvement behind his efforts to influence the U.S. government's position on Kashmir.”

MacBride went on to reveal that Fai’s “handlers in Pakistan allegedly funnelled millions through the Kashmir Center to contribute to U.S. elected officials, fund high-profile conferences, and pay for other efforts that promoted the Kashmiri cause in favour of Pakistan to decision makers in Washington." Islamabad promptly lodged a protest, issuing a demarche to the US Embassy in Islamabad and accusing Washington of running a slander campaign against Pakistan.

Just five months later, Islamabad was forced to eat the humble pie when the KAC chief pleaded guilty of secretly receiving a whopping $3.5 million through Pakistan army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for lobbying to influence US policy on Kashmir. Unfortunately, Islamabad didn’t learn any lesson from this extraordinarily embarrassing incident.

In 2022, PoK again came into focus when US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar made a four-day-visit to this region. Islamabad was particularly overjoyed as she openly endorsed Pakistan’s Kashmir stance by saying that "On the question of Kashmir, we held a hearing in the foreign affairs committee (of Congress) to look at the reports of human rights violations."

Furthermore by telling reporters that "I don't believe that it (Kashmir) is being talked about to the extent it needs to in Congress but also with the administration," Omar unambiguously endorsed Islamabad’s delusional demand for third party intervention. As she held talks with the then Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, , this visit, needless to say, came as a shot in the arm for Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative.

Unfortunately, the euphoria was short lived. Annual financial disclosures filed with the U.S. House of Representatives confirmed that the Pakistani government in Islamabad had entirely sponsored Omar’s trip including expenses for food, lodging, and local facilities.

Current Crisis

The ongoing public unrest in PoK which has claimed more than 20 lives has once again revealed how the authorities rely on brute force to intimidate people even when they are making the justified demand of ending manipulative politics. The reason for this high-handedness is obvious- Islamabad doesn’t want to let go of its control over the PoK government and this it does by filling the 12 seats in PoK assembly reserved for people of J&K migrants with its proxies.

Using anti-terrorism legislation to proscribe Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a grass root non-political civil society coalition comprising ordinary citizens like traders, lawyers and students, which is spearheading the peaceful movement for securing basic rights of people and good governance in PoK is an unmistakable sign of both Islamabad’s desperation and paranoia. There can therefore be no two views that despite Islamabad’s tall claims, all’s not well in so-called ‘Azad Kashmir’.

This also explains why Islamabad is spending so much time and money in attempting to mislead the international community into believing that things in PoK are hunky dory.

PoK Woes

In its 2006 annual report on PoK, Human Rights Watch (HRW) had highlighted the fundamental contradiction in Islamabad’s duplicitous Kashmir narrative. It states, “Successive Pakistani governments have asserted that Kashmir’s political future must be determined in accordance with the wishes of its people. Yet its own constitutional provisions preclude all political choices to Kashmiris except to support its accession to Pakistan.”

Two decades later, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRPC) has echoed the same sentiment by condemning the ban on JAAC by stating that "proscribing popular movements invariably risks narrowing democratic space." This seminal observation aptly sums up the situation since the current protests in PoK isn’t something new.

In December 2024, while addressing a group of protesters in Bradford, UK, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA) Mahmood Kashmiri expressed solidarity with JAAC and highlighted that “We are not asking for charity or alms.

We are simply asking for our rights–our resources should be placed in our control.” This statement hits the nail on the head. Though PoK has abundant resources, the same aren’t available to its people, and equitable sharing of water and electricity produced in PoK being amongst the most contentious issues.

Self Created Mess

The demands of JAAC pertain to basic economic and governance issues. Unfortunately, though reasonable and completely justified these have not been addressed by Islamabad with the seriousness it merits, and the current protests in PoK are but a natural response to government apathy. The fact of the matter is that the silence of the people of PoK has been taken for granted and the Pakistan army has been treating PoK as a colony and terrorising its residents through brute force.

The lack of basic amenities adds to the misery of people living in PoK. Thanks to the proliferation of social media, information is freely available to all and people of PoK are able to see and learn for themselves what’s going on in J&K. This awareness leads to PoK citizens comparing their situation with that prevailing across the LoC and the glaring disparity in existing facilities naturally generates frustration. A few examples:

• Airport. J&K has four airports while PoK has only two

• Railway. Functional in J&K, but non-existent in PoK

• Universities. 35 in J&K- only six in PoK

• Medical Colleges. J&K has 10 medical colleges in comparison to only three in PoK

• Government Hospitals. J&K has 2812 hospitals providing free medical care, while PoK has only 23

• Infrastructure Development Funds. While the Union Territory of J&K has been allocated ₹33,127 crore for infrastructure development, PoK is estimated to have received only $600–700 million)

• Financial Allocation & GDP. J&K gets nearly five times more funds than PoK.

Prognosis

The people of PoK have endured institutionalised marginalisation by Islamabad for too long and are no longer willing to remain silent spectators. Government apathy has forced them to take to the streets and military brutality has only further strengthened their resolve to stand up for their rights. The writing on the wall is clear- people of PoK will no longer accept being treated as second-class citizens.

However, since neither Islamabad nor Rawalpindi seems inclined to address the genuine grievances of PoK residents, the situation is likely to get worse in the future. As Field Marshal Asim Munir oversees the country’s Kashmir policy and use of force against protesters and proscribing JAAC is his brainchild, he must not only bear responsibility for the ugly situation he has created but also make necessary amends.

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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Pakistan Condemned For Deadly Crackdown In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And Kashmir

Pakistan has come under sharp international criticism after the International Human Rights Foundation accused authorities of unleashing a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The organisation reported that more than thirty-two civilians were killed between 8 and 16 June 2026.

The condemnation was issued in a statement shared on X, where the foundation described the actions of Pakistani forces as excessive use of force against demonstrators linked to the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.

The crisis intensified after the Pakistani authorities designated the JKJAAC as a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws on 5 June. This move was followed by a complete shutdown of internet and mobile networks across the region, deployment of federal paramilitary forces, mass arrests of activists and political leaders, and restrictions on movement into the territory.

According to the foundation, more than one hundred activists and leaders have been arbitrarily detained. Among those arrested was journalist Sohrab Barkat, who was charged under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. His detention has raised serious concerns about press freedom and the broader suppression of freedom of expression in the territory.

The organisation argued that the latest violence is part of a wider pattern of human rights abuses in the region. It recalled earlier crackdowns on JKJAAC-led protests in May 2024 and October 2025, both of which resulted in civilian casualties.

Residents of the region continue to face restrictions on political participation, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association. The foundation stated that these measures are in violation of Pakistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The International Human Rights Foundation called upon the Government of Pakistan and the administration in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to immediately halt the use of force against protesters. It demanded the restoration of internet and mobile services, the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, and the revocation of the ban on the JKJAAC.

The organisation further urged an independent international investigation into the reported civilian deaths and allegations of unlawful killings.

It specifically highlighted the killing of activist Shahzeb Habib, which has become emblematic of the brutality faced by residents of the region.

The criticism from the foundation adds to growing international concern over Pakistan’s handling of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights groups and observers have increasingly pointed to systemic repression, arbitrary detentions, and the silencing of dissent as evidence of a deteriorating situation that requires urgent global attention.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan: No Indus Waters For Terror Sponsors

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, declaring that India will not allow the waters of the Sindhu river to reach those who sponsor terrorism.

Speaking at an ‘Intellectuals Meet’ organised by the Telangana BJP in Hyderabad, he condemned Pakistan’s continued support for cross‑border terror and emphasised that the NDA government remains resolute in its stance.

He stated that through Operation Sindoor, India has shown the world that it knows how to respond to those who fail to understand the language of peace and harmony.

Singh recalled the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, noting that India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as a sovereign response under international law. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration that “blood and water will not flow together,” stressing that those whose tears have dried up should not expect water from India.

He underlined that the suspension of the treaty will continue until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably renounces its support for terrorism. India’s message since Pahalgam has been consistent: treaties cannot operate in isolation from ground realities, and abnormal hostility cannot coexist with cooperation on shared resources.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on 19 September 1960 between India and Pakistan, has long been regarded as one of the world’s most cited water‑sharing agreements. However, Singh made clear that until Pakistan addresses what New Delhi describes as “abnormal hostility,” the treaty will remain suspended in both spirit and practice.

Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, was highlighted as a demonstration of India’s ability to push back against aggression and to show that its red lines in counter‑terrorism are firm.

In his address, Singh also spoke about the NDA government’s achievements over the past twelve years. He cited the abrogation of Article 370, progress towards making the country largely free of Naxal violence, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, nationwide electrification, and reforms in the justice system. He reminded the audience that there was a time when Congress claimed Article 370 could never be abolished, yet his government achieved it with ease.

Turning to developments in Kashmir, Singh emphasised that the region, once synonymous with terrorism, is now witnessing growth in tourism, investments, and employment opportunities.

He pointed out that the tricolour now flies proudly at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated there for the first time, Muharram processions are being conducted peacefully, and cinema halls that had remained closed for decades are reopening.

These changes, he argued, reflect the transformation of Kashmir under the NDA government’s policies, marking a shift from instability to progress.

Singh’s remarks reinforced India’s hardened diplomatic and strategic posture, linking water‑sharing arrangements directly to the issue of state‑sponsored terrorism. His warning to Pakistan underscores that India’s hydrological policy is inseparable from its national security imperatives, and that cooperation cannot continue alongside aggression. The message was clear: India will not allow its rivers to sustain those who patronise terror.

Agencies

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Pakistan Warns of 'Act of War' Over India’s Indus Water Strategy

India’s latest declaration on the Indus Waters Treaty has provoked a sharp diplomatic backlash from Pakistan, intensifying one of South Asia’s most enduring disputes.

Union Minister CR Patil stated that India would fully utilise its share of the Indus basin rivers and ensure “not a drop” flows into Pakistan. 

This uncompromising stance has been interpreted in Islamabad as a direct threat to its water security, prompting officials to warn that any restriction on flows would be considered an “act of war.”

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, has long been regarded as a rare example of cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. It allocates control of three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — to India, while granting Pakistan rights over the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Despite multiple wars and decades of hostility, the treaty has survived, though it has increasingly come under strain in recent years.

India’s suspension of its participation in the treaty in May 2025, following the Pahalgam massacre in Kashmir which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-backed militants, marked a turning point.

Since then, India has pursued projects aimed at maximising its use of the eastern rivers and exploring engineering options to regulate flows from the western rivers. While experts note that India’s existing infrastructure does not allow for complete diversion, the political signalling has been unmistakable.

Pakistan has consistently argued that India’s moves amount to “weaponizing water.” Officials in Islamabad insist that unilateral withdrawal from the treaty is legally impossible, and they have raised the matter at international forums including the United Nations Security Council.

The Pakistani government maintains that any attempt to alter flows would devastate its agriculture, which is heavily dependent on the Indus basin, and could destabilise its already fragile economy.

The Chenab River has emerged as a particular flashpoint. India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation recently issued tenders for a tunnel project to transfer water from the Chenab to the Beas basin. Pakistan has accused New Delhi of using technical works as a cover for strategic diversion, while Indian officials argue that such projects are within their rights under the treaty’s provisions.

The dispute is further complicated by the geography of Kashmir, where the headwaters of these rivers originate. The contested territory has been the site of repeated clashes, and the water issue adds another layer of volatility. The four-day conflict in 2025, involving drones, missiles, and artillery, underscored how quickly tensions can escalate.

International actors have expressed concern. The United States has urged restraint and dialogue, while China has backed Pakistan’s position, citing the dangers of politicising shared water resources. Analysts warn that the confrontation risks transforming water into a new theatre of strategic rivalry, with implications for regional stability.

India’s position reflects a broader shift in its strategic calculus. By asserting control over its water resources, New Delhi signals both domestic resolve and geopolitical leverage. Pakistan’s warnings of “serious consequences” highlight its vulnerability, but also its determination to resist what it sees as encroachment.

The Indus basin, sustaining hundreds of millions of people, is now at the centre of a renewed confrontation. What was once hailed as a model of cooperation has become a potential trigger for conflict. The rhetoric of “not a drop” and “act of war” illustrates how water, the most basic of resources, has become entwined with national security and survival in South Asia.

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Sixteen Killed As Pakistani Forces Fire On Protesters In Rawalakot

Two days after the killing of thirty demonstrators in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, another tragedy unfolded in Rawalakot as security forces opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters gathered at the Eidgah Ground.

At least sixteen people were killed and thirty‑seven wounded when Pakistani troops used AK‑47 rifles against the crowd. The demonstration had begun peacefully, with ordinary citizens demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity and basic rights, but quickly descended into violence as the army unleashed gunfire.

Between sixty and seventy thousand people had assembled to raise slogans against Pakistan’s continued occupation and policies in the region. The protesters were also demanding justice for those killed and injured in the earlier clashes on Tuesday, which had left thirty dead and two hundred wounded.

The slogan “Ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai” – meaning “This terrorism is being carried out by those in uniform” – echoed across the gathering and has now become a rallying cry throughout the region.

In Khai Gala village, residents shut down markets and marched against the violence, adding to the atmosphere of defiance. The aftermath of the protest was grim, with blood‑stained roads, fields soaked in blood and grieving families searching desperately for loved ones.

Political activist Sardar Aman Khan, a leader of the movement, vowed to continue the struggle despite the loss of lives. He accused Pakistan of labelling anyone who fights for rights as a “terrorist”.

The rally was addressed by local political leaders and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee, who condemned the authorities’ handling of the protests and demanded an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries.

Speakers urged the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the situation and press for justice for the affected families. Amnesty International strongly criticised Pakistan’s sweeping crackdown, accusing the authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent and violating fundamental human rights ahead of the upcoming regional elections.

The violence in Rawalakot reflects a deepening crisis in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, where economic grievances, political disenfranchisement and anger over the branding of civil society groups as terrorists have converged into widespread unrest.

The scale of the protests, with tens of thousands of people mobilised, underscores the depth of frustration among the population.

Calls for accountability and international intervention are growing louder, as families mourn their dead and communities brace for further confrontation in the weeks leading up to the elections.

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Kashmiri Diaspora In Bradford Protests Pakistan’s Atrocities In PoK

Members of the Kashmiri diaspora staged a peaceful protest in Bradford outside the Pakistani Consulate, voicing strong condemnation of Pakistan’s handling of the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). 

The demonstration, held on 11 June, brought together activists, community leaders, and concerned residents who sought to highlight alleged human rights violations and call for greater international scrutiny of the situation.

Protesters accused Pakistani authorities of employing excessive force against civilians and criticised the imposition of restrictions across several areas in PoK amid growing public discontent. Holding placards and chanting slogans, participants demanded an end to what they described as repression and intimidation of local communities.

They drew attention to reports of civilian casualties, curbs on movement, and limitations on freedom of expression, arguing that such measures erode democratic values and fundamental rights.

Several speakers addressed the gathering, emphasising the plight of Kashmiris living under Pakistani administration. They urged Islamabad to respect democratic principles, protect civil liberties, and engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities rather than relying on coercive tactics.

One speaker declared that “the voices of ordinary Kashmiris cannot be silenced through crackdowns,” stressing the importance of peaceful engagement and accountability. Others insisted that grievances must be addressed through democratic means and that those responsible for abuses should face justice.

The protesters also appealed to the international community, including human rights organisations and democratic institutions, to monitor developments in PoK more closely. They called for independent scrutiny of the situation and greater support for safeguarding human rights, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech.

Organisers underlined that the diaspora would continue advocating for justice and peace, urging global actors to play a more active role in addressing concerns over the treatment of civilians in the region.

The demonstration concluded without incident, with participants reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness about conditions in PoK. Organisers pledged that the Kashmiri diaspora would persist in its efforts to highlight abuses and press for accountability, while maintaining a peaceful and democratic approach to advocacy.

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BLF Chief Denounces Pakistan’s Domination Over PoK, Calls For United Resistance

The chief of the Balochistan Liberation Front, Dr Allah Nazar Baloch, has issued a sharp condemnation of Pakistan’s policies in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the growing resistance movement in the region is proof that oppressed nations cannot be silenced through force and coercion. 

His remarks, reported by The Balochistan Post, underline the increasing solidarity between Baloch and Kashmiri activists against Islamabad’s control.

Dr Baloch emphasised that the ongoing struggle by Kashmiris reflects their demand for fundamental rights, self‑determination, and freedom from what he described as Pakistan’s domination. He asserted that the Pakistani state has relied heavily on repression to suppress dissent but has failed to extinguish popular demands for political and economic rights.

He challenged Pakistan’s portrayal of “Azad Kashmir,” claiming that the territory enjoys freedom only in name while remaining under the illegal control of authorities in Islamabad.

He alleged that key decisions affecting the region are made by bureaucrats and officials in the federal capital rather than by representatives chosen by the Kashmiri people. Dr Baloch further argued that Pakistan’s federal structure has been manipulated to maintain the dominance of Punjab over smaller nationalities and regions.

He claimed that the use of force against demonstrators and political activists in Kashmir reflects the insecurity of a state struggling to maintain authority over populations seeking greater autonomy and political rights.

The BLF chief declared that no nation can remain under imposed control indefinitely, maintaining that resistance against external domination is a legitimate right of oppressed peoples. He expressed support for movements advocating sovereignty and self‑rule, describing them as part of a broader struggle against political subjugation.

His remarks highlight the growing convergence of voices across Pakistan’s peripheries demanding freedom from centralised domination.

Dr Baloch extended solidarity to Kashmiris, Pashtuns, and Sindhis, stressing that their political aspirations deserve international attention and support. He called on oppressed nations to stand together and back one another’s struggles, while emphasising that the Baloch people view themselves as partners in a shared fight for freedom. His statement reflects a broader narrative of resistance across Pakistan’s marginalised regions, where demands for autonomy and rights have intensified in recent years.

The BLF leader’s comments also resonate with the wider discontent in Pakistan‑occupied territories, where repeated protests have been met with repression, arrests, and violence.

His appeal for unity among oppressed groups underscores the potential for a collective movement challenging Islamabad’s authority. The remarks add weight to the growing chorus of voices demanding international recognition of the plight of these communities and their aspirations for self‑determination.

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India Demands Global Action As 20 Protesters Killed In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

India has strongly condemned the recent violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where at least 20 protesters were killed during demonstrations against police brutality and political manipulation.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the international community must hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses, highlighting that Pakistan has resorted to fake news and fabricated videos to deflect attention from widespread human rights violations.

Reports indicate that the crackdown on civilians intensified following the appointment of Brigadier Faiq Ayub as the Inter-Services Intelligence sector commander for PoK last year. Ayub, previously stationed in Punjab, had earned the notorious nickname “Butcher of Lahore” due to his role in violent suppression of protests in Lahore.

His posting to PoK has coincided with escalating brutality against civilians, with police and army units opening fire on demonstrators.

The protests in PoK have been driven by both economic and political grievances. Demonstrators have demanded lower electricity tariffs and reduced food prices, pointing out the irony that PoK generates the bulk of Pakistan’s hydroelectric power yet suffers from exorbitant energy costs. This economic frustration has been compounded by anger over political manipulation of the legislative assembly.

A major demand of the protesters is the abolition of 12 refugee-designated seats in the 45-member PoK assembly. These seats, reserved for Kashmiris who migrated to Pakistan after the 1947 war, have long been influenced by the Pakistani military to ensure the election of individuals linked to terrorist organisations such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Despite residing in cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, these individuals and their relatives are installed as legislators, giving the military disproportionate control over the assembly.

This manipulation has allowed Pakistan’s military to install leaders of its choice in PoK’s political structure. One prominent example is Abdullah Saeed Shah, also known as Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah, who has close ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed and recently served as PoK’s information and broadcasting minister.

His appointment underscores the extent to which the Pakistani Army has embedded terrorist-linked figures into governance structures in the region.

The unrest in PoK reflects deep-seated resentment among the local population against both economic exploitation and political disenfranchisement. India has reiterated that Pakistan’s actions in the region are part of a broader pattern of repression and manipulation, and has urged the global community to take decisive action to hold Pakistan accountable for its abuses.

The deaths of 20 protesters mark a grim escalation in the crisis, underscoring the urgent need for international scrutiny and intervention.

Agencies

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Pakistan Occupied Jammu And Kashmir Protests: Shooting The Messenger

by Nilesh Kunwar

Army’s Disreputable Record

The 2006 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report on human rights violations in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) draws its title “With Friends Like these…” from Muzaffarabad resident Mir Afzal Suleri’s remark that “Pakistan says they are our friends and India is our enemy. I agree India is our enemy, but with friends like these, who needs enemies?” Though made two decades ago, this pithy comment is as relevant today as it was then, and the brutal clampdown on the ongoing peaceful public protests in PoK proves this point.

This HRW report merits deliberation as it concedes that “the (October 8, 2005) earthquake put the international spotlight on Azad Kashmir (PoK) for the first time. Previously, attention had been almost wholly on Jammu and Kashmir state in India, which since 1989 has endured a brutal insurgency and counterinsurgency.” It mentions that “The poor response of the Pakistani government and military to the earthquake, and the attendant further loss of life, served to highlight that even natural disasters in Kashmir have a strong human component.”

Some instances of the Pakistan army’s abject apathy exposed by HRW :

• In the first seventy-two hours after the earthquake, thousands of Pakistani troops stationed in PoK prioritized the evacuation of their own personnel over providing relief to desperate civilians.

• The international media filmed Pakistani troops standing by and refusing to help because they had "no orders" to do so as locals attempted to dig out those still alive, sending a chilling message of indifference from Islamabad.

• Many Kashmiris told HRW that prior to the earthquake, the Pakistani military kept a close watch on the population to ensure political compliance and control; this was facilitated by the placement of military installations frequently in close proximity to populated areas.

• In the context of a military presence that was more abuser than protector, and domineering Pakistani political control, the failure of the authorities to respond quickly and more humanely to the after effects of the earthquake in PoK came as little surprise.

• The Pakistani government in Islamabad, the Pakistani army and the Pakistani intelligence services (Inter-Services Intelligence, ISI) control all aspects of political life in PoK. Arbitrary arrest and detention and torture at the hands of the Pakistani military and the police; and discrimination against refugees from J&K state is commonplace.

• For those expressing independent or unpopular political views, there is a pervasive fear of Pakistani military and intelligence services-and of militant organizations acting at their behest or independently.

Culture of Impunity

It’s the prevailing culture of impunity within the Pakistan army and ISI that promotes institutionalised oppression of PoK citizens. The HRW report mentions that it “knows of no cases in which members of military and paramilitary security and intelligence agencies have been prosecuted or even disciplined for acts of torture or mistreatment,” and it has documented “incidents of torture by the ISI, and by PoK police acting at the ISI's and the army's behest."

The HRW report mentions an incident that exposes how the culture of impunity is brazenly being promoted by the authorities. All Parties National Alliance chairman Arif Shahid told HRW that Reuters correspondent Waheed Kiyani who attended a conference on Kashmir Unity was arrested by ISI in Rawalakot in 2003 and detained for two days.

After his release, Kiyani covered another seminar in Muzaffarabad where he was called on stage after the event by PoK President Maj Gen Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan (Retd). Shahid recalls Khan telling Kiyani “in full public view to 'forget it and be grateful you are alive,' and 'offer thanksgiving prayers’.” Can there be a more flagrant instance of the institutionalised impunity enjoyed by ISI?

Public Demands

The ongoing protests in PoK are being led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JACC), a grassroots civil-society coalition comprising traders, transporters, lawyers, students and other civic groups created in 2023. As it has no political agenda and seeks to exert public pressure on the authorities to fulfil basic economic and governance demands, JAAC enjoys immense public support. It put forth a 38-point charter of demands that fall in two main categories- one, immediate economic reforms and two, long term structural changes.

The main demands in the immediate economic reform category include reduced power tariffs, provision of wheat flour at subsidised rates. Long term structural demands call for abolition of perks and privileges enjoyed by law makers and bureaucrats as well removing the provision of reserving 12 seats in PoK Assembly for Kashmiris belonging to J&K who have settled down in PoK in 1947 and 1965. This arrangement is rightly opposed by JAAC as these seats are frequently filled by mainstream Pakistani political parties to exploit formation of governments in PoK, giving Islamabad a back-channel grip over the PoK Assembly.

It’s evident that the demands set by JAAC are justified since they have a precedent. The Government of Pakistan had promised PoK residents free/subsidised electricity as compensation during construction of the Mangla Dam in Mirpur district. Similarly, while subsidy on wheat flour to PoK residents has been withdrawn, people in Gilgit Baltistan region of PoK continue to enjoy this subsidy.

The PoK government agreed to address the 38-point demand made by JAAC in 2025 but has not acted on the proposal for withdrawing reservation of 12 seats for PoK residents from J&K settled here- a clear indication of Islamabad’s determination to ensure that PoK remains under its control. Moreover, with HRW clarifying that “Power in Azad Kashmir is exercised primarily through the Pakistani army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi,” it’s obvious that the army will never allow the PoK legislature to be independent at any cost.

Criminalising Genuine Dissent

Pakistan refers to PoK as Azad (free) Kashmir. The 2006 HRW report however busts this myth by observing that “though ‘Azad’ means ‘free,’ the residents of Azad Kashmir are anything but (free). Azad Kashmir is a land of strict curbs on political pluralism, freedom of expression, and freedom of association; a muzzled press; banned books; arbitrary arrest and detention and torture at the hands of the Pakistani military and the police.

By stating that “No person or political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) shall be permitted to propagate against or take part in activities prejudicial or detrimental to the ideology of the State's accession to Pakistan,” the PoK Interim Constitution Act, 1974 criminalises freedom of expression and makes the ‘Azad’ prefix to PoK a cruel joke on its hapless people. The explanation given by Sardar Karamdad Khan, a lawyer based in Muzaffarabad highlighting the acute contradictions in PoK to HRW is revealing, and merits reproduction.

He maintains that “The Pakistani bureaucracy is the real administrative power, the ISI and the Pakistan army exercise coercive power. And under the constitution, the elected representatives are subservient to the Kashmir Council controlled by Pakistan. High Court and Supreme Court Judges can only be appointed by approval of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs in Islamabad. The Minister of Kashmir Affairs can dismiss the PM, as can the Chief Secretary-another Islamabad appointee. Under Article 56, the President of Pakistan can dissolve the Legislative Assembly. Surely, this is a truly unique form of self-rule.”

Not knowing how to deal with the current JAAC protest, the PoK government has conveniently proscribed this civil society coalition contending that it had “engaged in terrorism, acted in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of the State, involved in creating anarchy in the State by intimidating public, promoting hatred and creating sense of insecurity in society and public at large etc.” However, since the HRW report has correctly concluded that "Power in Azad Kashmir is exercised primarily through the Pakistani army's General Headquarters," it's obvious that this action has been taken by the PoK government at the behest of Rawalpindi.

And with news of Rangers opening fire on peaceful protesters leading to several deaths and injuries, it’s evident that the Pakistan army is determined to deal with this situation in the only way it knows-brute force. While this may provide temporary reprieve and give an illusion of normalcy, the psychological wounds inflicted on the hapless people of PoK through excessive use of force against them won’t heal soon.

Shooting The Messenger

Under Field Marshal Munir’s charge, shooting the messenger has become the new normal. In October 2024, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a social movement created to ensure that the Pashtun community isn’t denied its human rights was proscribed under anti-terrorism laws for its alleged involvement in activities “prejudicial to the peace and security of the country.”

In March 2025, leader of Baloch Yakjethi Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch along with several other activists were arrested during a sit-in and charged under several sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and continue to remain in detention till date. Just like PTM, BYC is a grassroots human rights movement using peaceful methods to oppose state abuses, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the Baloch community.

And by proscribing JAAC in June 2026, Field Marshal Munir has scored a hat-trick by shooting down three messengers in as many years- an achievement for which he deserves due appreciation!

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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Masscare: Over 30 Killed, 200 Injured As Occupying Pakistani Forces Clash With Protesters In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Over thirty people have been massacred and around two hundred injured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces.

The unrest followed the banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has long spearheaded demonstrations over economic and political grievances in the region. 

Authorities outlawed the group on Friday, citing concerns over public order and security, a move that immediately heightened tensions.

The violence broke out in Rawalakot after the death of a trader, allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcers late on Friday night. His body was taken to a hospital morgue, where supporters gathered in anger.

Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan, the top civilian official in Rawalakot, confirmed the incident and said that when security forces attempted to disperse the crowd, JAAC activists retaliated with automatic rifles, petrol bombs and other weapons.

According to Khan, six protesters were killed in the ensuing clashes, and multiple arrests were made. However, local residents and JAAC supporters disputed the official account, insisting that civilian casualties were far higher than acknowledged. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as paramilitary forces opened fire, while protesters hurled projectiles and petrol bombs in return.

The confrontation occurred just a day before JAAC’s planned region-wide protests. The alliance had called for demonstrations against the reservation of twelve seats for refugees in the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for 27 July.

Out of forty-five seats in the assembly, these reserved positions are seen by JAAC as undermining local representation. The group was also protesting against earlier incidents of violence, internet restrictions, the banning of their organisation, and broader issues such as electricity shortages, inflation, unemployment, alleged resource exploitation, and political marginalisation.

JAAC members have denounced their listing as a “terror” group, describing it as an act of oppression. They argue that their campaign is for legitimate economic and political rights, though authorities point to the group’s history of violent demonstrations in recent years.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has previously expressed alarm at the use of anti-terror legislation against civil society organisations, warning that such measures risk deepening political disenfranchisement.

The clashes in Rawalakot mark one of the deadliest episodes of unrest in the region in recent years. The scale of casualties has drawn international concern, with observers noting that the situation could deteriorate further as elections approach.

Security has already been tightened across POK, with restrictions on large gatherings, communication blackouts in several districts, and heightened deployments of police and paramilitary forces.

The JAAC leadership has vowed to continue its campaign despite the ban, framing the confrontation as evidence of state repression.

The group’s supporters insist that their struggle is rooted in everyday hardships faced by the people of POK, including rising costs of flour and electricity, chronic unemployment, and poor governance. With tensions escalating and both sides unwilling to back down, the region faces a volatile and uncertain period in the run-up to the July elections.

Agencies

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India Tears Apart Pakistan’s 'Fitna al Hindustan' As A Hate Factory At UN

India has launched a sharp diplomatic offensive against Pakistan at the United Nations, exposing Islamabad’s latest propaganda narrative of “Fitna al Hindustan” as nothing more than state-sponsored disinformation.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session on Afghanistan, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, accused Pakistan of deliberately manufacturing falsehoods to deflect blame for its internal crises and regional destabilisation.

Pakistan had previously issued official notifications instructing its agencies to label militant groups operating within its own territory as “Fitna al Hindustan”, alleging they were directed by India. 

However, no evidence was ever produced to substantiate these claims. Ambassador Harish countered that this was a calculated attempt to deceive both the Pakistani public and the international community. 

He described the narrative as “officially sponsored misinformation and disinformation dressed in religious terminology”, designed to sustain hostility against India while distracting citizens from domestic political and economic failures.

The envoy went further, branding Pakistan’s apparatus as “an organised factory of hate”. He argued that the campaign was a deliberate strategy by the Pakistani establishment to divert attention from pressing internal challenges, including constitutional amendments that have entrenched military dominance over civilian institutions.

Ambassador Harish highlighted how Pakistan’s political framework remains deeply compromised by the military’s overarching influence, which continues to undermine democratic governance.

Turning to regional security, India condemned Pakistan’s cross-border military operations, particularly aerial assaults in Afghanistan that have caused significant civilian casualties. Ambassador Harish stressed that “dressing up a massacre as a military operation does not absolve the perpetrator”, adding that killing and maiming civilians cannot be justified as counter-terrorism.

He accused Islamabad of hypocrisy, pointing out that Pakistan espouses lofty principles of international law and Islamic solidarity while simultaneously carrying out airstrikes during the holy month of Ramadan.

The envoy underscored Pakistan’s long-standing record of blaming its neighbours for its own internal shortcomings. This criticism comes amid escalating hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Earlier this year, UN records confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan territory killed at least 13 civilians, including women and children, sparking the most intense border confrontation in years. By March, UN documentation revealed that cross-border strikes and subsequent manoeuvres had left 42 civilians dead, 104 wounded, and displaced over 100,000 people from their homes.

Tensions reached a breaking point when Afghan officials alleged that a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre caused over 400 fatalities. The UN independently verified at least 269 deaths, underscoring the scale of devastation. Although a brief cessation of hostilities prevented a full-scale war, volatile skirmishes continue along the frontier, keeping the region on edge.

India’s intervention at the UN thus not only dismantled Pakistan’s “Fitna al Hindustan” narrative but also highlighted Islamabad’s broader strategy of exporting instability while masking its own governance failures. By exposing Pakistan’s disinformation campaign as a “factory of hate”, New Delhi reinforced its position that Islamabad must be held accountable for both its internal propaganda and its external aggression.

ANI

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India Reaffirms Jammu And Kashmir’s Integral Status, Rebukes Pakistan At UN

India delivered a strong rebuke to Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Islamabad of misusing international platforms to advance its political agenda on Jammu and Kashmir.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, asserted that the Union Territory “was, is and will always remain” an integral and inalienable part of India, dismissing Pakistan’s claims as baseless and inconsistent with historical facts.

Speaking during the plenary session on the Annual Report of the Security Council, Harish emphasised that Pakistan’s unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir had compelled India to respond.

He criticised Pakistan for attempting to exploit the UN forum for divisive political interests, noting that such behaviour undermines the credibility of international institutions.

He reminded Islamabad that membership of the Security Council is a serious responsibility, not a platform for spreading biased and false narratives.

Harish further condemned Pakistan’s conduct as a current member of the Security Council, pointing out that its circulation of misleading communications exemplifies a counter-productive approach.

He reiterated India’s position that there is no ambiguity regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that Pakistan’s rhetoric cannot alter the fundamental reality of the territory’s legal accession to India in 1947.

India also used the occasion to renew its longstanding call for reforms of the UN Security Council. Harish argued that the existing structure no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities and that retaining the status quo has hindered effective functioning. He advocated expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to ensure the Council’s relevance in addressing global challenges.

The intervention came a day after India lodged a strong protest against Pakistan’s plans to hold elections in the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement reaffirming that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit and Baltistan, are integral parts of India due to the complete, legal, and irrevocable accession of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947.

The ministry categorically rejected Pakistan’s attempts to bring material change to areas under its illegal occupation, underlining that such actions cannot conceal the fact that Pakistan continues to occupy Indian territories unlawfully and must vacate them.

India’s firm stance reflects its consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter, and attempts to internationalise the issue are unacceptable.

The rebuttal also underscores New Delhi’s broader diplomatic push to highlight Pakistan’s misuse of international forums and to strengthen calls for UN reforms that better represent today’s geopolitical realities.

Agencies

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