Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), brought attention to the plight of residents in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB) during the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
In a recent interview, Kashmiri shed light on the grievances faced by locals, particularly regarding the construction of the Mangla Dam. He said, “During the construction of Mangla Dam, people organised massive protests in the entire PoK. Just to settle the chaos, the Pakistani administration had promised, 300 to 400 megawatts of free electricity for the PoK.”
Despite promises made by the Pakistani establishment, including free electricity and compensation for displaced individuals, many have yet to receive adequate support. The imposition of unwarranted taxes on hydroelectricity bills has further fueled protests in PoJK.
UKPNP Chairman Kashmiri emphasized that the demands of the people extend beyond subsidies, as they now struggle to access basic necessities like wheat flour. The situation has further exacerbated amid rising costs during the month of Ramzan. Kashmiris are protesting the abrogation of subsidy and demand their reinstatement.
Talking about Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB), he highlighted the adverse impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on POGB, asserting that local communities have not benefited from the projects, nor have they seen any increase in job opportunities.
The domination of major businesses by the Pakistan Army in POGB has further exacerbated the situation, leaving locals disenfranchised and deprived of essential resources. As protests escalate across the region, Kashmiri underscored the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the pressing humanitarian concerns facing residents of PoJK and POGB.