Pakistani 'oppression': PoK leader urges world bodies to protect them

In his address at the 43rd Session of the UNHRC at Geneva, POK activist Nasir Aziz Khan highlighted the increase in human rights violations by Pakistan in the PoK and Gilgit Baltistan regions where political activists and civil society members have been targeted by the state machinery.

Highlighting the plight of the people, he said terrorist networks and infrastructure remained intact in the POK region and even leaders of banned outfits roamed around freely there.

Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) was quoted as saying by ANI, “Since the last 73 years, we have been deprived of our basic fundamental human rights. That is why we have no say at any platform in Pakistan. We do not have any representation in Pakistani institutions, for example, Pakistan National Assembly or Senate or anywhere, we cannot raise our voice. Those who dare to raise their voices are victims of the state.” 

Exposing the neighbouring nation, the PoK leader further said:"Pakistan is marginalizing our people, there is a witch-hunting of the political opponents. If you see Gilgit-Baltistan, people like Baba Jan, Iftikar Hussain, and their colleagues were tried under anti-terrorism laws and they are facing 40 to 90 years of life imprisonment. This is the irony of society."

"We are facing cross-border terrorism sponsored by the state and there are extremist groups roaming freely in our region. They are recruiting youngsters in that region. We can say that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban spokesperson Ehsaan Ullah Ehsaan who was in custody of the army has managed to escape," he said.

"Same is the case for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who was also in custody. Now they say that he has escaped with his family. This is the clear message for the people that the state is still protecting them, sponsoring them and sending them to different areas," he said.