UKPNP Condemns Restrictions on Public Gatherings in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has strongly criticized a new notification from the government of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This notification imposes strict limitations on public gatherings and civil liberties, which UKPNP leaders, including Central Exile Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and Central spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan, have denounced as violations of fundamental human rights.
The regulations restrict public assemblies to specific areas approved by the District Magistrate, using vague “law and order” criteria. This broad authority allows the government to revoke permissions under the guise of “public safety” or “public disturbance,” potentially silencing dissent and limiting freedom of expression.
UKPNP leaders are concerned that the new permit requirements place undue burdens on civil society organizations and political activists, making peaceful assembly more difficult. The notification also designates certain areas as “red zones,” further restricting political activities and relegating protests to remote areas, away from media attention.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri highlighted that these restrictions come at a time when citizens are increasingly vocal about their grievances. The UKPNP warned that such measures will deepen mistrust between the state and its citizens, undermining the government’s legitimacy.
In response, the UKPNP has called on the United Nations and the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for these actions. They urge a reassessment of Pakistan’s human rights obligations under international law and encourage global support for the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their pursuit of fundamental rights, justice, and freedom.
Human rights violations in the region include political repression, limited political freedoms, media censorship, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Socioeconomic rights are also at risk, with inadequate access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities exacerbating poverty.
Doubts Revealed
UKPNP -: UKPNP stands for United Kashmir People’s National Party. It is a political party that advocates for the rights and freedoms of people in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir -: Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir refers to the part of the Jammu and Kashmir region that is administered by Pakistan. It is also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri -: Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri is a leader of the UKPNP. He is known for speaking out against human rights violations in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Human rights violations -: Human rights violations are actions that go against the basic rights and freedoms that every person should have. In this context, it includes limiting people’s ability to gather and express their opinions freely.
International community -: The international community refers to countries and organizations around the world that work together on global issues. In this case, UKPNP is asking them to help ensure that people in Jammu and Kashmir have their rights respected.
