PoK Repression Proves Pakistan Treats Kashmiris as Instruments

Islamabad’s brutal crackdown on the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) reveals the hollow hypocrisy of its lectures on Kashmiri rights. Pakistan’s repression in PoJK is the logical outcome of a political project which considers Kashmiris as instruments instead of citizens. The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), demanding an end to reserved legislative seats for nonresident “refugees”, reduction in electricity tariffs and basic economic relief began in PoJK on June 5. In response to the protests, Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators, imposed blackouts and carried out mass repression in PoJK. Pakistan’s repression in PoJK is not an aberration. It is the logical outcome of a political project that treats Kashmiris as instruments rather than citizens. Khawaja Asif’s recent statement exposes that loyalty to the Pakistani state and not Kashmiri rights is the non-negotiable condition of existence in PoJK. Pakistan’s control in PoJK is based on a carefully-managed narrative of autonomy, while real power lies with Islamabad, as all decisions regarding security, foreign policy, and the economy of the occupied territory are taken by Islamabad and the Pakistani military. Institutions of PoJK operate as administrative extensions of Islamabad. The protests in PoJK and the use of lethal force against protesters showcase a structural contradiction at the heart of Pakistan’s Kashmir policy. For years, Pakistan has portrayed itself as the protector of Kashmiri self-determination. However, Pakistani authorities used lethal force against people of PoJK and described them as “enemies” when they demanded basic economic relief, an end to non-resident legislative quotas, affordable electricity from the hydropower generated by their land, and a genuine political voice. Several videos posted on various social media handles, including that of the JAAC, have showed the brutality of Pakistani forces. Videos shared on social media showed women protesters running desperately to save their lives as local police unleashed terror and opened fire on a peaceful protest rally in PoK’s Kotli. The women protesters had gathered in large numbers and were shouting slogans against the brutality of Pakistani forces in Rawalakot and Mirpur when policemen started firing. On the other hand, India on Friday slammed Pakistan for launching a crackdown on peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and urged the international community to scrutinise Islamabad’s actions holding it accountable for its atrocities. Pakistan’s disdain for the people of PoJK was reflected in the remarks made by country’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif where he described protesters as “enemies” of the country. The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of PoJK was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies. Over 40 people have been killed and hundreds critically injured during the ongoing protests and the long march organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK. Several videos posted on various social media handles, including that of the JAAC; have showed the brutality of Pakistani forces. On Thursday, videos shared on social media showed women protesters running desperately to save their lives as local police unleashed terror and opened fire on a peaceful protest rally in PoK’s Kotli. Dozens of civilians have been killed and hundreds injured during the ongoing protests in the region, including Rawalakot, Mirpur, and other areas of the occupied territory. Expressing grave concern, local groups have said that more than 100 people have been killed since June 5, several hundred have been critically injured, and hundreds have reportedly been subjected to enforced disappearance by the Pakistani security forces