JSMM chief urges India, the UN and global powers to respond to alleged rights violations in PoK and Sindh…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Sindhi nationalist leader Shafi Burfat has called on India and the international community to intervene against what he described as the Pakistani military’s repression of people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Sindh and other regions, urging global support for their rights and aspirations.
Burfat, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), made the appeal following reports of deadly clashes between security forces and protesters in the Rawalakot region of PoK.
According to reports, seven civilians were killed during confrontations between police and supporters of the recently proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on June 7.
Reacting to the incident, Burfat strongly criticised Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, accusing them of carrying out widespread human rights violations against civilians in PoK.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, he condemned what he termed “brutality, fascism and cruelty” against the people of the region and called on the international community to take immediate notice of the situation.
“We strongly condemn the naked brutality, fascism, and cruelty inflicted by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies against innocent civilians in Pakistan occupied Kashmir,” Burfat said.
He appealed to the United Nations, European countries, the United Kingdom, nations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as international human rights organisations, to investigate alleged rights violations and state actions in PoK.
Burfat further alleged that Pakistan’s military establishment had launched a campaign of repression against civilians not only in PoK but also in Sindh and other regions.
The JSMM leader specifically urged India to play a role in highlighting the issue internationally.
“Therefore, we appeal especially to India, as the world’s largest democracy and our neighbouring country, alongside international institutions and democratic governments worldwide, to intervene and help protect these oppressed nations,” he stated.
Burfat accused the Pakistani state of maintaining control over several ethnic and regional groups through coercive measures. He alleged that communities including Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, Seraikis, Brahuis and residents of PoK continue to face political marginalisation and suppression.
The Sindhi leader also warned that continued instability and alleged state repression could have wider regional implications if left unaddressed.
He argued that the international community should take a stronger stance against what he described as state sponsored oppression and violations of fundamental rights.
“The international community can no longer afford silence in the face of such systematic oppression and human suffering,” Burfat said, urging governments and global institutions to support principles of justice, human rights and self determination.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in PoK following recent protests and clashes that have drawn attention to political and security issues in the region.
Pakistan has not publicly responded to Burfat’s latest allegations. Islamabad has consistently rejected accusations of human rights abuses in territories under its administration and maintains that its actions are aimed at preserving law and order.
The latest appeal adds to ongoing calls by various political and rights groups seeking greater international scrutiny of developments in PoK and other regions of Pakistan.
