Pakistan’s widening crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) draws international attention. (Photo: ANI)
Asked whether the UN would seek accountability for the reported crackdown on protesters, deputy spokesman for the secretary-general Farhan Haq said authorities must ensure that people are allowed to exercise their right to peaceful protest.
This came amid continuing unrest and concerns over restrictions on public gatherings and internet access, a spokesperson for UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said. Dozens of people, mostly protesters but also members of the law enforcement agencies, had reportedly been killed since June as tensions rose ahead of elections to the legislative assembly, according to the UN. “We urge the authorities to ensure full Internet access throughout the territory,” the UN statement said.
The United Nations has warned Pakistan and called for accountability for any action taken against people participating in peaceful protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The JAAC has alleged that more than 40 people were killed during the first phase of polling on July 27 and has claimed that around 400 protesters have been killed since the first week of June. Moreover, security personnel have also lost their lives,” Pakistan Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah said in a recent television interview.
The Pakistan government has rejected the figures as “overly exaggerated”. “The number of people killed in the protests is in two digits.