New Delhi has strongly condemned Pakistan for what it described as &ldquo;horrific human rights violations&rdquo; in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging the international community to hold Islamabad accountable.
Reacting to the wave of protests sweeping across PoK, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the turmoil was the direct outcome of Pakistan&rsquo;s repressive policies and exploitation of local resources.
&ldquo;We have seen reports of widespread protests in several parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir, where Pakistani forces have unleashed brutalities on innocent civilians. These developments are a natural consequence of Pakistan&rsquo;s oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources in these illegally occupied territories. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations,&rdquo; Jaiswal stated during his weekly media briefing on Thursday.
<h3 data-start="1063" data-end="1092">Unrest Escalates in PoK</h3>
For more than a week, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has witnessed some of its largest demonstrations in years. The protests, organised by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), have swept through Rawalakot, Mirpur, Kotli, Neelum Valley and other areas, with thousands joining in.
Demonstrators have carried out shutter-down and wheel-jam strikes, demanding basic rights and an end to systemic neglect. The agitation has turned violent in some areas, with reports of at least 10 deaths. Authorities responded with heavy crackdowns, including internet blackouts and suspension of mobile services across the region.
<h3 data-start="1703" data-end="1734">Demands of the Protesters</h3>
The AAC has accused the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of denying fundamental rights to the people of PoK. Among their demands is the scrapping of 12 reserved seats in the PoK Legislative Assembly that are set aside for refugees living in Pakistan, a provision they say undermines genuine local representation.
The growing unrest has put Islamabad under mounting pressure at a time when its economy and internal politics are already strained. Meanwhile, India has reiterated its long-standing position that the region remains under Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;forcible and illegal occupation&rdquo; and called for global scrutiny of Islamabad&rsquo;s actions.

India Slams Pakistan for Brutalities in PoK

MEA says unrest in PoK is fallout of Pakistan’s oppression,calls for global accountability

India Slams Pakistan for Brutalities in PoK

MEA says unrest in PoK is fallout of Pakistan’s oppression,calls for global accountability

October 3, 2025 | 17:09 IST