Escalating Suppression: Pakistan's Crackdown in Occupied Kashmir Regions
As Pakistan intensifies its crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, concerns about human rights violations grow. A young doctor from PoJK, barred from leaving the country, reflects the increasing suppression and allegations of being 'Indian Agents.' Javed Beigh highlights the troubling trend of state overreach.
- Country:
- PoJK
In the wake of India's "Operation Sindoor," Pakistan is mounting efforts to stifle dissent in its occupied regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, areas under its control since 1947. Notable Kashmir activist Javed Beigh has brought attention to this issue, highlighting how the situation has worsened following last year's anti-government protests in PoJK.
In a recent incident, a young Kashmiri doctor, Syed Rehan Touqeer, from Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, faced travel restrictions. Touqeer, from the Potohari Pahari-speaking community, was stopped from boarding his flight to the US at Islamabad International Airport, accused of alleged ties to "Indian Agents." Despite having cleared immigration protocols, he was abruptly taken off his flight due to his inclusion in Pakistan's no-exit Provisional National Identification List without prior notice.
The circumstances surrounding Dr. Rehan's detention have prompted public outcry. Civil society in PoJK has condemned his blacklisting as a breach of constitutional and international human rights. His ordeal underscores growing concerns over collective punishment and the suppression of dissent in PoJK and PoGB, illustrating a broader pattern of state control.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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