Fahab Hameed Kiyani from PoJK Speaks Out on Jail Torture and Unmet Demands

Fahab Hameed Kiyani, a resident of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was arrested during protests in May. The protests were about demanding subsidized wheat flour and electricity. Kiyani reported that he and other protesters were tortured in jail and kept in closed rooms without any formal charges or FIRs against them.

He said, “For six days, we were tortured. We were kept in closed rooms, and were not allowed to move around and meet anyone (inside the prison). We did no crime, there was no FIR against us. Until now our issues have not been resolved.”

Kiyani also mentioned that many activists are still in jail under false charges, including the alleged murder of a police official during the clashes. He criticized the government for not delivering on promises of subsidized flour and free electricity. “The establishment is adamant. It has not given the provisions of subsidized flour and free electricity. In fact, instead of our right to free electricity, they have not even given us the subsidy of Rs 3-5 per unit which they promised,” he added.

Locals in PoJK are frustrated with the Pakistan government and local authorities for imposing heavy taxes while failing to provide basic amenities. During the May demonstrations, three protesters and one security official were killed in clashes. Although Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a grant of 24 billion rupees to meet most of their demands, activists are concerned about the lack of action to provide subsidies and relief.