Protesters gathered outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, raising concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)….reports Asian Lite News Desk
A demonstration was held outside the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington on Thursday, with protesters voicing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and calling for accountability over reports of deaths, injuries and alleged use of force during ongoing unrest in the region.
According to social media posts from the demonstration, participants gathered outside the embassy to highlight the reported escalation in violence and urge greater international attention to the situation. Protesters also expressed concern over rising casualty figures and alleged restrictions on communications in the region.
The protest came as tensions continued to mount across PoK, where clashes between demonstrators and Pakistani security forces have reportedly resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Reports have also alleged that security personnel used live ammunition during some of the demonstrations.
The unrest has been linked to protests organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been pressing a range of political and economic demands, including issues related to governance, civil rights and public services. Reports have also indicated disruptions to internet and mobile services during the protests.
The demonstration in Washington described the situation in PoK as a humanitarian crisis, with participants calling for transparency and accountability over the reported violence.
International concern has also grown over the developments, with calls for independent investigations into the reported deaths and injuries. Human rights advocates have urged authorities to ensure accountability and protect civilians during the unrest.
According to reports cited by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), the security crackdown over the past three days has resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people and left dozens injured. Analysts have suggested that the overall death toll since the protests began could have exceeded 125, although these figures have not been independently verified.
Earlier on Wednesday, the UKPNP, citing reports from the region, said around 40 civilians were killed while several others were injured or arbitrarily arrested between July 27 and 28 in Rawalakot, Mirpur and other parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The organisation further alleged that more than 100 people have been killed since June 5, with several hundred critically injured and hundreds reportedly subjected to enforced disappearances by Pakistani security forces.
Condemning the reported actions of the security forces, the UKPNP stated that the “use of excessive or unlawful force against peaceful civilians would constitute serious violations of international human rights law and may amount to crimes under international law.”
Pakistan has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the UKPNP statement. The casualty figures and claims made by the organisation could not be independently verified.
