Pakistan must be targeted for suppressing its people

The recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of anger built up over the years due to forced suppression by the state.

- HARSHA KAKAR

This is a region Pakistan proudly calls ‘Azad Kashmir, but it is anything but ‘Azad.’ It is worse than a colonized state, denied basic rights, lacking an independent voice and whose resources are looted to benefit Punjab. POK has no representation in Pakistan’s parliament, is administered like a colony from Islamabad, controlled by the army and is constitutionally prevented from making any statement on Kashmir other than what is the stand of the government.

There is never a mention of plebiscite in POK, as Rawalpindi, which suppresses the populace and muzzles dissent, realizes that its residents would prefer India, aware of vast differences in every aspect of life. Pakistan’s own human rights body, HRCP (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan), which anyway has limited influence, has courageously mentioned on multiple occasions that POK remains ‘politically disenfranchised’ with no avenue for dialogue.

The Mangla Dam alongside others generate electricity for the state, but it is POK which faces maximum power cuts and huge electricity bills. Roads and other basic amenities like schools and hospitals are almost nonexistent. Protests against plunder of the region and denial of rights are met with internet blockades, media censorship and brutal state power.

The recent protests resulted in a complete shutdown for 10 days. The region was isolated with all roads blocked while people faced shortfalls of food and healthcare. Electricity was cut and people lived in darkness as in prison camps. Security forces were brutal in their approach. Official figures mention over a dozen killed while the real numbers could be far more. A communication blackout was imposed. The organizers were forced into capitulation and into accepting Islamabad’s demands.