A general strike observed throughout Occupied Jammu and Kashmir highlighted the people’s collective frustration and determination to demand their fundamental rights.
These demonstrations, held in all ten district headquarters of the region, mark a significant moment in the decades-long struggle for justice, freedom, and dignity under Pakistan’s occupation.
For 77 years, the people of POJK have endured systematic marginalization and exploitation. Instead of being treated as an autonomous region in line with international commitments, successive Pakistani governments have treated it as a colony.
The UKPNP has persistently raised awareness about the dire conditions in POJK, where political, economic, and social rights remain a distant dream. Our ongoing protests are a poignant reminder of the region’s plight and a call for action that resonates far beyond its borders.
A Legacy of Exploitation and Suppression
Since 1947, POJK has been subjected to policies that deprive its people of basic rights. Natural resources have been plundered to fuel Pakistan’s economic needs, while local governance is controlled by unelected officials who are accountable only to Islamabad. Attempts to assert autonomy or dissent against the exploitative system are met with brutal suppression, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and enforced disappearances.
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association are severely restricted, leaving the people of POJK with limited avenues to voice their grievances. Corruption and mismanagement have compounded the economic challenges, pushing millions into poverty. Meanwhile, an unaccountable bureaucratic structure entrenches these issues, further alienating the local population.
The People’s Demands
The peaceful protests sweeping through POJK today represent more than frustration—they are a unified demand for change. The demonstrators are calling for:
- Restoration of Fundamental Rights: The right to free speech, assembly, and press must be guaranteed. The suppression of dissenting voices must end immediately, allowing the people of POJK to express their concerns without fear of retribution.
- Self-Governance and Autonomy: Islamabad must honor its international commitments and recognize the region’s right to self-governance. The people of POJK must be allowed to determine their own political and economic future.
- Economic Justice: The ongoing exploitation of POJK’s natural resources by Pakistan’s federal agencies and foreign entities must stop. The wealth of the region should directly benefit its local communities, addressing the deep-rooted economic disparities.
- Accountability: Human rights violations, corruption, and abuses of power must be investigated by independent bodies. An end to the culture of impunity is essential to restoring trust and justice in the region.
The Role of the International Community
The UKPNP has made an urgent appeal to the global community, including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and democratic nations, to take notice of the worsening human rights situation in POJK. The international community’s support is crucial in holding Pakistan accountable for its actions and ensuring that the legitimate demands of POJK’s people are met.
By shining a spotlight on the region, the world can amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for decades. As the people of POJK continue their peaceful struggle, international solidarity can play a pivotal role in turning their demands into actionable change.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
Despite decades of oppression, the people of POJK have shown remarkable restraint and a commitment to peaceful protest. Their courage serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The UKPNP has vowed to continue advocating for the cause of POJK at all international forums. “Your struggle is just, and your voices will not be silenced,” the party declared in a message to the people of the region.
The protests of today have the potential to mark a turning point in the fight for justice and freedom. As the people of POJK unite in their quest for dignity and autonomy, their struggle serves as a reminder that the pursuit of human rights is both timeless and universal.
The UKPNP’s call to action is clear: this is not just the fight of POJK—it is a battle for justice and freedom that deserves global recognition and support!
Main Image, Jamil Maqsood speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council, March 2024.
