ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) today voiced “grave concern” over a recent United Nations (UN) report that highlights what it describes as systemic and widespread human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir.
The UN Special Procedures experts, in findings released on Monday, raised alarm over “serious human rights violations” committed by Indian authorities following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without presenting evidence. The report details a sweeping crackdown across the region, prompting renewed calls for international scrutiny.
In a press statement, Pakistan’s FO said the UN findings “underscore the severe and systematic human rights violations endured by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation.” It noted with concern the experts’ revelation that nearly 2,800 individuals — including journalists, students, and human rights defenders — were subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention.
The FO highlighted that India’s continued use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) enables “indefinite and unjustifiable detentions.” It condemned reported cases of torture, custodial deaths, incommunicado detentions, denial of legal access, punitive demolitions, and forced evictions.
The statement further criticised recurring communication blackouts and the suppression of press freedoms, citing the blocking of some 8,000 social media accounts. It also expressed concern over what it called rising hate speech, harassment, and violence targeting Kashmiris and Muslim communities across India.
“These findings reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding state-sponsored persecution of Kashmiri Muslims and discrimination against minorities across India,” the FO asserted.
Urging India to “cease its coercive measures” in the region, the FO called for the unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also urged New Delhi to take concrete steps to end the persecution of religious minorities, “particularly Muslims and Christians.”
Reiterating its stance on the Kashmir dispute, Pakistan said it remained committed to a peaceful and just settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The FO demanded that India reverse demographic changes, restore fundamental freedoms, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Pakistan concluded that it would continue to provide moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their struggle against what it described as foreign occupation.
